Prescribing for pregnancy: managing prescribing for women with mental health diagnoses

Antidepressants in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders

“…The preconception period is an opportunity to optimise and stabilise a woman’s medication and condition. In general, the aim is to use the lowest effective dose and monotherapy where possible 3. The results of previous studies on the effect of antidepressant exposure on neurodevelopmental disorders have largely been conflicting 4.…”

Antipsychotic use in pregnancy and congenital malformations

“…Prescribers and pregnant women must carefully consider the potential risks of antipsychotic treatment in pregnancy. A recent Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin review outlined principles for safe prescribing in pregnant women with a mental health diagnosis 4. These include optimising and stabilising medication and the mental health condition prior to conception, prescribing the lowest effective dose and using monotherapy, if possible, and advising women not to stop their medication without discussing it with an experienced practitioner.…”

Women’s experiences of over-the-counter and prescription medication during pregnancy in the UK: findings from survey free-text responses and narrative interviews

“…Safe and effective prescribing is an essential component of antenatal care. Prescribing in pregnancy requires additional knowledge and caution due to the potential for teratogenesis, altered pharmacokinetics, maternal concerns1 and potential for short and longer term harm to the fetus 2 3. Antenatal information4 provided to pregnant women states that most medications reach the fetus and all medication use should be discussed with health professionals.…”