Motherhood and mental illness--part 2--management and medications

General practitioners see many women who may be on medication for the management of their mental illness before, during, or after a pregnancy.

This article reviews the current evidence and gives practical advice on management and use of psychotropic medication in women with mental health disorders in pregnancy.

The general practitioner is often the first point of contact, and is vital in giving timely and accurate information and encouraging appropriate treatment choices in women with mental illness in our community. The risk-benefit analysis of treatment needs to be considered in light of the evidence at hand. Specialist opinion in complex cases must be sought early.