Information for women prescribed psychotropic medication during pregnancy

Patient information factsheet

I need to take medication for my mental health during pregnancy – what does this mean when my baby is born?

• Women need to take medication for many different physical and mental health reasons during pregnancy.
• You have been given this leaflet as you and your Doctor decided that it would be safest for you to take medication for your mental health during pregnancy.
• This includes antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-anxiety medications.
• Some babies can experience symptoms after birth because of these medicines.
• For this reason, your baby will have a physical health check within 24 hours of birth.
• You should not worry about this. Your baby might develop mild symptoms, but these usually settle down within a few days without the need for any treatment.

Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Baby being very unsettled or irritable
• Lethargy (e.g. not waking for feeds)
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Increased work of breathing
• Blue lips / face
• Abnormal movements

Do I need to do anything when I am pregnant?

• Make sure you tell the people involved in your care what medication you are taking.
• Do not stop or make any changes to your medication without talking to your Doctor.
• Take medication regularly and make sure you do not run out.
• If you do run out of medication, make sure you talk to your GP or psychiatry Doctor about what to do.
• Your doctor will tell you about any symptoms your baby might experience.

What about after my baby is born?

• If you give birth in hospital, a health professional will check your baby just after birth (usually within the first 24 hours).
• They do this to make sure that your baby is not experiencing any physical health problems.
• The checks will include:
  • checking your baby’s alertness
  • looking for any signs of irritability or distress
  • testing your baby’s movements for any stiffness or floppiness
  • listening to your baby’s heart and lungs.
• You will also be asked if you have any worries about your baby’s wellbeing, including how they are settling, feeding and sleeping.
• The check will not take long and is not harmful or painful for your baby.
• Any concerns found with your baby will be discussed with you and whether these are due to medication or other causes.
• The health professional will then explain any investigations or treatment needed.
• If you go home from hospital within 24 hours, or have a home birth, your baby will be checked again by a Community Midwife.
• You will be supported to feed your baby however you choose to feed (breast or bottle).

Who should I speak to if I’m worried about my baby’s health?

• If you are worried about your baby, speak to your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor.
• If at any time your baby appears unwell, drowsy or has feeding difficulties you should see your GP or take them to the hospital Accident & Emergency Department.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms in your baby, please seek medical advice from your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor, call 111 or attend Accident & Emergency.

Get more information about medications in pregnancy

• BUMPS (Best use of medicines in pregnancy: https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/

• Royal College of Psychiatrists: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/planning-a-pregnancy

Contact our service

If you have any questions, please contact Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on 020 7288 5530 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)