Depression and anxiety in pregnancy.

The risk of depression in women is greatest during the child-bearing years. Considering that about 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, women may become pregnant while on antidepressants, may have their depression or anxiety relapse during pregnancy or postpartum, or may be unwell and untreated before and during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The impact of the symptoms of depression and anxiety can cause risk to the mother and also have a negative effect on child development. This presentation is intended to assist in understanding the impact of untreated maternal depression and anxiety on fetus, neonate, child and mother; to review the effects of fetal exposure to psychotropic medications (antidepressants); and to summarize general management of perinatal mood/anxiety disorders.