Explains what antipsychotics are used for, how the medication works, possible side effects and information about withdrawal.
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There is not much evidence about exactly how safe it is to take antipsychotics during pregnancy or breastfeeding. But there are some known risks to taking antipsychotics during this time:
There can also be benefits to taking antipsychotics during this time:
Your doctor or psychiatrist can help you balance the possible risks to your baby against any potential harm in not taking your medication. This is to help you come to your own decision about what's best for you. But it is understandable to feel unsure about this, and you might find it helpful to seek further support during this time.
Being pregnant can sometimes feel like you’re giving up control of your own body. This can be stressful, but there are lots of positive steps you can take:
Coming to a decision you feel comfortable with about what's right for you and your baby can be difficult. It's understandable if you feel conflicted or unsure about what to do.
As well as talking to your doctor or psychiatrist, you might find these support options helpful:
You might also find it helpful to read our pages on parenting with a mental health problem. These pages include information on taking care of yourself, looking after your children, and other kinds of support available to parents. Our information on perinatal mental health problems may also help.
This information was published in September 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
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