Psychotropic Medications in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Abstract

Many pregnant women suffer from mental health conditions while pregnant. As providers and patients make decisions about risks of the conditions and treatments during pregnancy, information to populate those discussions is needed. Taking into account the physiologic changes in pregnancy, we may need to optimize medication therapy. This article reviews and summarizes some of the most common mental health conditions suffered in pregnancy: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and psychosis. It further discusses the different medications used to treat them, as well as risks associated with these medications.