Bipolar_Disorder_Pregnancy_Flashcards
What medications should not be offered to women with bipolar disorder who are planning a pregnancy or pregnant, unless antipsychotic medication has not been effective?
Lithium or sodium valproate should not be offered to women who are planning a pregnancy or pregnant, unless antipsychotic medication has not been effective.
What should be considered if a woman taking lithium becomes pregnant?
If a woman taking lithium becomes pregnant, consider stopping the drug gradually over 4 weeks and switching to an antipsychotic.
What type of medication is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding for women with bipolar disorder?
Antipsychotics, except clozapine, are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding for women with bipolar disorder.
What are the risks associated with lithium use in pregnancy?
The risks associated with lithium use in pregnancy include the risk of foetal heart malformations (Ebstein’s anomaly), although the magnitude of the risk is uncertain.
What should be weighed when considering the treatment of bipolar disorder in pregnant women?
It is important to weigh the benefits of treating the mother’s bipolar disorder against the risk of congenital malformations.
How is lithium expressed in relation to breastfeeding?
Lithium may be highly expressed in breast milk.
How frequently should monitoring occur for pregnant women with bipolar disorder?
Monitoring should occur every 4 weeks for pregnant women with bipolar disorder.
What is the monitoring schedule from the 36th week of pregnancy for women with bipolar disorder?
From the 36th week of pregnancy, monitoring should occur weekly for women with bipolar disorder.
Where should women with bipolar disorder give birth?
Women with bipolar disorder should give birth in a hospital.
What effect can antipsychotic use have on pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder?
Antipsychotic use can make it difficult to get pregnant because of hyperprolactinaemia.
