Abstract
Many pregnant women experience psychiatric disorders in their childbearing years. Emerging research shows mental illness not only affects the mother’s well-being but may also have significant effects on fetal outcomes. This review details what is known about the prevalence of mental illness during pregnancy as well as how such disorders may influence pregnancy outcomes. Maternal depression during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for low fetal birthweight and premature delivery, but other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders and psychotic illness, may also predict adverse birth outcomes. Possible behavioral, genetic and neuroendocrine mechanisms for these relationships are presented. Principles of treatment for psychiatric disorders during pregnancy are also discussed, with an emphasis on the role of the obstetrical provider.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.