22 Women’s decisions around prescribed psychiatric medication use in pregnancy

Speaker:- Jessica Correia

Facilitator:- Khadija Mouhtassine,

Abstract:- Background: Antidepressant prescription use occurred in 13.4% of UK pregnancies in 2018, yet safety guidance remains inconclusive, contributing to decisional conflict for women. Prevalence of mental health disorders during pregnancy is significantly higher in those with a personal or family history of mental health concerns, lack of social support, a background of socioeconomic deprivation and domestic violence. Furthermore, barriers to accessing mental health services and disparities lead to young parents, global majority women and lone parents disproportionately affected. Without the right support and treatment mental health can impact both the mother and her baby. With fetal exposure to poor mental health associated with low birth weight, premature birth and impaired mother-infant bonding. Alongside the risk of suicide for mothers. This literature review explores the factors influencing women’s decisions around prescribed psychiatric medication use in pregnancy.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four databases; CINAHL Ultimate, Academic Search Ultimate, APA PsychInfo, and Medline Complete.

Results: 6 core themes were identified through thematic analysis; Shared decision making, healthcare professional, access to support, acceptance and validation, experiential evidence both personal and 3rd party.

Conclusions: Women’s decisions about psychiatric medication in pregnancy are complex, multifaceted, and highly individualised. Supporting women with holistic, non-judgmental, and evidence-informed care is essential to improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. More research is needed to understand the experiences of women from backgrounds of social deprivation and global majority women.

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