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Medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding

What are the issues regarding antipsychotic treatment during pregnancy and motherhood? 

Antipsychotic use during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the mother’s risk of illness relapse, against the risk of harm or complications for the mother and developing infant if medication is to be continued.

What is the evidence for the use of antipsychotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

High quality evidence finds a small, increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy with antipsychotic use (first or second generation).

Moderate quality evidence suggests a small increased risk of heart defect or lower birth weight in infants, and a small increased risk of preterm delivery, but not stillbirth, with exposure to antipsychotics. Lower quality evidence is unsure about the risk of termination or spontaneous abortion, and the size and malformation in infants.

Review authors report that the studies did not routinely adjust for potential confounding factors, such as other medication use.

October 2020

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Last updated at: 4:23 am, 30th August 2021
To view documentation related to this topic download the files below
Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Tags:  Parenthood

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