Schizophrenia and Pregnancy

Topic Overview

People with schizophrenia have goals and desires just like people who do not have the illness. These may include starting a family.

You can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby if you have schizophrenia. But there are some things to know.

You will want people to help you during your pregnancy and when you are first taking care of your new baby. It's best to talk with your pregnancy doctor (obstetrician), mental health doctor, and family doctor and your child's doctor (pediatrician) about any changes in your treatment or lifestyle during and just after your pregnancy.

Medicine

You may wonder if the medicine you take for schizophrenia will harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about this.

You may be taking other medicines for schizophrenia or for the side effects of the medicines. You need to discuss all the medicines you take with your health care team.

Taking medicines to control the symptoms of schizophrenia can help prevent:

• Not getting the care before birth (prenatal care) that you and your baby need.
• Not eating well enough and giving your baby poor nutrition.
• Taking other medicines or supplements that may harm your baby.
• Using alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco, all of which may harm your baby.

The best thing you can do is to plan your pregnancy with your health care team or contact them as soon as you know you are pregnant. They can help you make the decisions you will need to make about medicines. They also can help you throughout your pregnancy and watch for symptoms or problems you may have.