Mental health in pregnancy and after birth (SIGN)
Antispychotics are medicines that reduce psychotic experiences such as hallucinations or delusion. They may also be used for other reasons.
Antipsychotics are the preferred medication for many women or birthing parents with schizophrenia during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If you take antipsychotics, your healthcare professional will check your symptoms throughout your pregnancy to make sure the dose is right for you.
The decision on which antipsychotic is right for you is based on your response to taking antipsychotics in the past, the risk of relapse if you changed medicines, and whether or not you wish to breastfeed your baby.
If you take an antipsychotic when you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, then oral medication (such as a tablet or liquid) is usually preferred to an injection. However, if you are responding well to antipsychotics by injection, this might still be the best choice for you.
If you are taking antipsychotics while you are pregnant, healthcare professionals will monitor your and your baby’s health. The type of monitoring and how long monitoring will last will depend on the type of medication, the dose and the health of your baby. This is usually agreed as part of your birth plan with the healthcare professionals involved in your care.
One side effect of some antipsychotics is that they can make it more likely that you could have gestational diabetes (a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy). Your healthcare professional will monitor your health to check for gestational diabetes.
If you are taking clozapine during pregnancy, discuss this with your mental health professionals, who will help you understand the benefits and risks of taking this medication. You and your baby will need closer monitoring during pregnancy and after birth.