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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Psychiatric disorders in pregnancy
Chris Van Mullem1, Jackie Tillett
1Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, USA. chris.vanmullem@aurora.org
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|May 29, 2009
Summary
Treating psychiatric disorders during pregnancy involves complex decisions balancing risks to mother and fetus. Shared decision-making between patients and providers is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pregnancy presents unique challenges for managing psychiatric disorders.
- Treatment decisions carry risks for maternal and fetal well-being.
- Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are available.
Observation:
- The choice between treating or not treating psychiatric conditions in pregnancy is complex.
- Risk-benefit analysis is essential for all treatment options.
- No single optimal treatment strategy exists for all pregnant individuals.
Findings:
- Treatment decisions require careful consideration of maternal, fetal, and infant risks.
- Shared decision-making involving the woman and her healthcare providers is paramount.
- The goal is to minimize fetal exposure while managing maternal psychiatric symptoms.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for perinatal psychiatric care.
- Improved collaborative care models can enhance outcomes for pregnant women with mental health conditions.
- Personalized treatment plans are essential to balance maternal mental health and fetal safety.
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