Antipsychotic drug use during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta-analyses did not indicate strong evidence that in utero antipsychotic exposure is a major teratogen; and although an association was observed between maternal antipsychotic use and preterm birth, there was significant heterogeneity across studies. The decision to continue antipsychotic use during pregnancy involves a complex balancing of risks and benefits for women and their healthcare professionals. Any potential risks to the developing foetus must be weighed against the risks of discontinuing treatment, including the possibility of relapse in women with severe mental illness, which can have serious consequences for a woman and her infant. Finally, there is a need for further robustly designed studies.