Perinatal psychiatry

Perinatal psychiatric disorders are common and can result in significant suffering for women and their families: suicide is a leading cause of maternal death. The most severe form of postpartum mood disorder – postpartum psychosis – follows approximately 1 in 1000 deliveries. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder or have suffered a previous severe postpartum episode have a many hundred-fold increased risk, and their identification in the antenatal period is a key aspect of management. Decisions regarding the use of psychotropic medication in pregnancy must be made after a full risk–benefit analysis.