[Pregnancy and maternity of a schizophrenic patient]

Abstract

Aspects to be taken into consideration in the total care of women of reproductive age and affected with schizophrenia include possible contraception, pharmacological therapy during pregnancy and need for support in parenthood. Compared with other pregnant women, those affected with schizophrenia are older, are more frequently smokers during pregnancy and more often neglect health monitoring during pregnancy. Schizophrenia predisposes for preterm delivery, miscarriage and lower Apgar score of the infant. In regard to parenthood, the effects of the illness itself or the prescribed medication on the interactive mother-child relationship may emerge as problematic issues.