ABSTRACT
This chapter will cover the clinical principles for prescribing to the pregnant woman, and the ABCD X classification of medication in pregnancy and lactation. It will cover working with fertile women, and women in pre-pregnancy who wish to become pregnant. It will then discuss the use of psychotropics when pregnancy occurs, and throughout pregnancy. The chapter will cover specific conditions and medication groups. It will look specifically into lithium carbone, and carbamazepine and valproic acid. The chapter will discuss the use of psychotropics postpartum, with a particular focus on lactation. It will discuss the use of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and anti-anxiety medications.
