Antipsychotic use in pregnancy and its impact on congenital malformations and early neonatal adaptation

Abstract

Aim of the study: To review recent literature on the effect of antipsychotic use in pregnancy on early postnatal adaptation of exposed infants and the development of congenital malformations.

Results: Antipsychotic use in pregnancy does not appear to lead to a significantly higher risk of congenital malformations, but may pose a greater risk for early adaptation of the newborn (especially the risk of preterm birth and intensive care unit admission). The studies to date face methodological limitations: lack of information on exact doses of antipsychotics, lack of control groups of women with psychiatric problems but not taking antipsychotics, failure to control for confounding factors.

Conclusion: The available data suggest the relative safety of antipsychotic use in pregnancy, provided that potential risks are known and the woman and her baby are carefully monitored.