Medication In Pregnancy Specialist
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Washington Center for Women's and Children's Wellness (WCWCW)
Child, Adolescent, Women’s & Reproductive Psychiatry located in Bethesda, MD and offering Telehealth appointments in Maryland, Virginia, DC, Florida and Michigan
Pregnancy is viewed as a joyful time in a woman’s life. However, many women struggle with mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant and struggling with a mental health condition, you may benefit from a consultation with the psychiatrists and psychotherapists at WCWCW to discuss psychiatric medication in pregnancy. To make an appointment at the practice in Bethesda, Maryland, call the office or click the online booking feature today.
Medication In Pregnancy Q & A
All Services > Our Specialties > Reproductive Psychiatry > Medication In Pregnancy
What do I need to know about medication in pregnancy?
Not all medication is safe to take during pregnancy. Whether over-the-counter or prescription, you should talk with your health care provider about the types of medications you take so you know what’s safe and what’s not safe.
The concern is that any medication you take is passed to your baby. For many medications, it’s not known how the drug affects the fetus. However, some medications may cause birth defects, pregnancy loss, premature birth, or developmental disabilities.
Having a conversation with your primary care provider about medications in pregnancy gives you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health.
That includes whether you should take psychiatric medication during pregnancy. WCWCW specializes in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. If you take or need to take psychiatric medication, they can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.
Is psychiatric medication in pregnancy safe?
Some psychiatric medication is safe to take during pregnancy. However, there’s not enough research about most types of psychiatric medications and how they might affect the fetus or your pregnancy.
It’s not uncommon for women with a history of a mental health condition who take psychiatric medication to abruptly stop taking their prescription when they find out they’re pregnant. Stopping psychiatric medication without weaning may have serious side effects.
Additionally, pregnancy may trigger a psychiatric illness and benefit from medication to manage symptoms and the health of the mom-to-be.
In either case, psychiatric medication in pregnancy may provide more benefits to the mother than risks to the fetus.
What can I expect during a medication in pregnancy consultation?
You can expect a compassionate and comprehensive evaluation when you visit WCWCW for medication in pregnancy consultation.
The board-certified psychiatrists specialize in reproductive psychiatry and have the most up-to-date information about the use of psychiatric medication during pregnancy.
Your provider reviews your symptoms and mental health history, as well as your pregnancy. They also ask about your medical and gynecologic history.
They talk with you about the types of medication that can ease your symptoms and pose the least amount of risk. Your provider works closely with you and your OB/GYN to make sure you get the right tests and monitoring when prescribed psychiatric medication during pregnancy.
Psychiatric conditions don’t go away when you get pregnant. And, pregnancy may trigger a psychiatric event. To get mental health services during your pregnancy, call WCWCW or book an appointment online today.