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Perinatal mental health: What every neonatologist should know
Hind Khalifeh1, Ruth Brauer1, Hilary Toulmin2
1Section of Women's Mental Health, King's College London, PO31 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
Insights
Perinatal mental disorders affect maternal and infant health. Managing these conditions, including medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, requires careful consideration for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Neonatology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Perinatal mental disorders are prevalent and negatively affect maternal functioning and infant development.
- Severe mental health conditions may necessitate medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Neonatologists must recognize comorbid conditions in mothers that can impact newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of perinatal mental disorders on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- To discuss the complexities of psychotropic medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- To emphasize the importance of managing maternal comorbid conditions for infant well-being.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on perinatal mental disorders and psychotropic medication.
- Analysis of the impact of maternal mental health on fetal and neonatal outcomes.
- Discussion of the role of neonatologists and primary care in managing these cases.
Main Results:
- Perinatal mental disorders pose significant risks to both mothers and infants.
- Evidence regarding the effects of psychotropic medications on fetuses and neonates is complex and evolving.
- Maternal comorbid conditions are common and can adversely affect neonates.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of perinatal mental disorders is crucial for maternal and infant health.
- Close collaboration between healthcare providers, including family physicians and neonatologists, is essential.
- Addressing maternal mental health comprehensively benefits both the mother and her infant.
Abstract:
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. Close liaison with family physicians and primary care where there are concerns about mental health is important to ensure maternal mental health is optimal for the mother and her infant.
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