Perinatal mental health: What every neonatologist should know

Perinatal mental disorders are common and can impact adversely both on maternal functioning and on foetal and neonatal outcomes. For the more severe disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression, medication may be needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and there is a growing but complex evidence based on the effects of psychotropic medication on the foetus and neonate. In addition, the neonatologist needs to be aware of the co-morbid problems that women with mental disorders are more likely to have as these may also impact on the neonate.

Source: Early Human Development - September 16, 2015 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Hind Khalifeh, Ruth Brauer, Hilary Toulmin, Louise M. Howard Source Type: research