Psychiatry in Pregnancy Flashcards
When should someone be urgently referred to the perinatal mental health team?
recent significant change in mental state or emergance of new symptoms
new thoughts of violence or acts of self harm
new and persistant expressions of incompetency as a mother or estrangment from their baby
When should someone be admitted to the mother and baby unit?
rapidly changing mental state sucidal ideation significant estrangement from the baby guilt or hopelessness beliefs of inadequacey as a mother evidence of psychosis
When can admission to the mother and baby unit be arranged?
before the baby is born or after
What mental health questions should be asked at every appointment?
during the last month have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
during the last month have you ever been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
is there something you feel or want help with
How does biopolar react to pregnancy?
50% relapse rate
How do eating disorders react to pregnancy?
may improve
What are some risks of those with eating disorders being pregnant?
IUGR prematurity hypokalaemia, hyponatreamia metabolic alkalosis miscarriage premature delivery
How does pre existing depression react to pregnancy?
68% relapse if medication stopped in pregnancy
How is mild-moderate depression managed?
GP led
How is severe depression managed?
refer to psychiatry
What are baby blues?
50% of women
brief period of emotional instability
How long should baby blues last?
3-10 days - self limiting
How do baby blues present?
tearful irritable anxiety confusion poor sleep
What is puerperal psychosis?
affects 0.1% of women but 5% suicide risk, 4% infanticide
How does puerperal psychosis present?
early = sleep disturbance, confusion, irrational ideas late = mania, delusions, hallucinations and confusion
How should a mother with puerperal psychosis be treated?
emergency admission to the mother and baby unit antidepressants antipyschotics mood stabalisers ECT
