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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
Mood stabilizers in pregnancy: a systematic review
Megan Galbally1, Matthew Roberts, Anne Buist
1Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. MGalbally@mercy.com.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|November 2, 2010
Summary
All four common mood stabilizers may cause birth defects and pregnancy complications. Sodium valproate exposure in pregnancy is linked to poorer child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Untreated maternal bipolar disorder also poses risks.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Maternal mental health conditions require effective treatment during pregnancy.
- Mood stabilizers are frequently prescribed for bipolar disorder and other conditions.
- Understanding medication risks versus untreated illness is crucial for informed clinical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the teratogenicity and other pregnancy outcomes associated with mood stabilizer medications.
- To evaluate effects on both maternal and child health.
- To inform clinical management of pregnant women with mental illness.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of electronic databases and reference materials.
- Inclusion of original research studies on commonly used mood stabilizers (sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, lithium carbonate).
- Assessment of outcomes including malformations, pregnancy/neonatal complications, and child developmental outcomes.
Main Results:
- All evaluated mood stabilizers demonstrated associations with malformation and perinatal complications.
- Children exposed to sodium valproate or polytherapy in pregnancy showed poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Limited data exists for long-term child outcomes with lithium exposure.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to all four common mood stabilizers during pregnancy may be teratogenic and increase complication rates.
- Sodium valproate may be associated with adverse long-term child developmental effects.
- Clinical decisions must weigh medication risks against the significant risks of untreated maternal bipolar disorder.
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