Schizophrenia and Pregnancy
People with schizophrenia have goals and desires just like people without the illness. These may include starting a family.
You can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby if you have schizophrenia. But there are some things to know so that your health and your baby’s health can be their best.
The best thing you can do is to plan your pregnancy with your health care team or contact them as soon as you know you are pregnant. They can talk to you about things that you can do to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. This will include talking about your medicines and whether they are safe to take during pregnancy.
You may want people to help you during your pregnancy and when you are first taking care of your new baby. Your health care team can talk with you about additional supports and resources to help you during and after your pregnancy. This will include keeping in regular contact with your:
These providers need to know about any changes in your treatment, health, or lifestyle during and just after your pregnancy.
Medicines and Pregnancy
You may wonder if the medicine you take for schizophrenia will harm your baby. Some medicines are considered safe to take during pregnancy. Others could pose health risks to the baby. Talk with your doctor about this.
Your doctor may suggest taking certain medicines because they have been used longer and appear to have little risk to you or your baby. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rates all antipsychotics as having some possible risks to pregnancy and the baby.
You may be taking other medicines for schizophrenia, other mental health concerns (for example, depression or anxiety), medical conditions, or for the side effects of the medicines. It is important to discuss all the medicines you take with your health care team. Your providers can tell you if you are taking any medicines of concern. They can also help you think about whether the medicine poses the risk of more harm to your baby than not taking the medicine or whether there are other, safer medicines that you can take. When people with schizophrenia stop taking medicines, it may cause a return of symptoms. The symptoms may result in:
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Not getting needed care for you and your baby before birth (prenatal care)
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Not eating well enough to give your baby proper nutrition
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Taking other medicines or supplements that may be harmful to your baby
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Using alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco, all of which may harm your baby
Talk to your health care team if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant. They can help you make the decisions you will need to make about medicines. They also can provide support to you throughout your pregnancy. They can work with you to watch for and manage any symptoms or problems you may have.