Mental disorder in pregnancy and the early postpartum

Anaesthesia. 2021 Apr:76 Suppl 4:76-83. doi: 10.1111/anae.15424.

Abstract

Perinatal mental illness is common, affecting up to 20% of women, but remains under-recognised and under-diagnosed. It may have adverse effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and mental disorder remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in the UK. Women with mental ill health face difficult decisions in balancing risks and benefits of treatment. Stigma related to mental disorder may lead to non-engagement with maternity care. Some disorders bring specific challenges for anaesthetists working in maternity settings and it is vital that anaesthetists have knowledge of these disorders so they may offer care which is sensitive and appropriate.

Keywords: mental disorder; postpartum; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents