With proper care, a safe pregnancy for mother and baby is often possible. During pregnancy, the symptoms of many mental illnesses seem relatively inactive, but medications may still be necessary. These guidlines should be discussed with and approved by your physician. Stop using medications before trying to conceive, allowing a safety zone of one month before trying to conceive. Do everything possible during the first trimester of pregnancy to avoid medication, as it is the most critical time of fetal organ development.
Any medication can put a fetus at risk, and there are specific risks for different medications.
Anticonvulsants like Depakene and Tegretol, and sedatives such as Valium or Klonopin should be avoided. The use of anticonvulsants causes neural tube defects such as spinal bifida and anencephaly. Antipsychotic medications such as Haldol or Prolixin may be used only in small doses. Antidepressants are known to cause rare cases of infant distress such as congestive heart failure and respiratory disease. When used during the first three months of pregnancy, Lithium poses a high risk of heart malformation.