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In-utero exposure to psychotropic drugs increases risk for negative neonatal outcomes

Exposure to psychotropic drugs during pregnancy increases risk for negative outcomes among infants, so much so that researchers recommend the population be considered high-risk.

“Over the last decades, a large body of literature has been focused on the risks of birth defects related to fetal exposure to psychotropic drugs, whereas studies on the neonatal impact of prenatal exposure remain limited and conflicting. Moreover, the vast majority of recent studies were focused on antidepressant exposure, and few studies assessed the risks associated with prenatal exposure to other psychotropic drugs,” Anne-Laure Sutter-Dallay, MD, PhD, of Bordeaux University in Talence, France, and colleagues wrote.

Researchers analyzed data from 13 mother-baby units within the French Network of Mother-Baby Units, which included 1,071 mothers and their infants.

Overall, 40.2% of mothers used at least one psychotropic drug during pregnancy.

Researchers found that antenatal exposure to mood stabilizers increased risk for low birth weight (adjusted OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.03-4.04; P = .04).

Risk for neonatal hospitalization was increased by prenatal exposure to antipsychotics (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.19-2.54; P = .04), antidepressants (aOR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.05-2.41; P = .03) and anxiolytics/hypnotics (aOR = 1.89; 95% CI, 1.3-2.74; P = .001). These associations were independent of birth weight and term delivery status.

“Our results underline the necessity for close follow-up of this particular population and especially for further prospective studies on large cohorts to examine the independent impact of each pharmacologic class of drugs,” the researchers wrote. “Another important issue is to examine the occurrence and the severity of poor neonatal adaptation of exposed infants, and the link between poor neonatal adaptation and subsequent child development in the context of maternal severe mental illness.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.