Prescribing change, expecting more
A major study of 1.3 million women has suggested that antipsychotic use during pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects. The research, carried out at Harvard Medical School, also found that there was no enhanced risk of cardiac malformations in particular. Exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy is increasingly common, said the researchers. Antipsychotic medications are used for…
Read more > New study suggests antipsychotic use not linked to birth defects
Alongside growing global diagnoses of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is on the rise, affecting around 10% of women over their lifetime and, significantly, most prevalent among women of childbearing age. Together with those who begin pregnancy already suffering from the condition is the 1-7% of women who develop PTSD after giving birth. It’s clear there’s an issue that needs addressing.…
I decided that I would rather struggle with anxiety than worry I was potentially harming the baby by staying on my medication. I am not judgmental of women who decide otherwise, but weaning off my medication was the best individual decision for me. I was so grateful and surprised that I felt better than ever during my pregnancy (even better…
Read more > Managing mental illness in pregnancy with support and self-awareness
