Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women with severe mental illness: To what extent can they be prevented?

Abstract

Background: Women with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of obstetric and neonatal complications. The aim of this study was to better understand the factors that may influence these adverse outcomes. Method: We examined obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and factors possibly influencing these outcomes. A retrospective review of the medical history of 112 women with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder was undertaken. Data for controls were extracted from the hospital's electronic birth record data. Results: Women with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder presented later for their first antenatal vis..