Volume : 12, Issue : 06, June – 2025
Title:
THE EFFECT OF PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY ON FETAL OUTCOMES IN THE EASTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors :
Fatimah Alkhamis , Fatimah Sami Alkhalifah , Ibrahim abdulmonem almajed , Amirah Abdullah Alzaki , Anwar Alkhalifah , Rawan Ahmed Alhammadah , Abdullah Ibrahim Al Mulhim
Abstract :
Background: The use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy is increasing due to the rising prevalence of mental health disorders among women of childbearing age. While these medications can be vital for maternal well-being, their potential risks to fetal development remain a significant clinical concern.
Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the impact of psychiatric medication use during pregnancy on fetal outcomes in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia and to synthesize global and regional evidence on the safety and risks associated with these treatments.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Saudi Digital Library. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were included. Criteria focused on observational, cohort, and case-control studies examining the effects of psychiatric medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers) on pregnancy outcomes.
Results: Fourteen studies were included, three of which were based in Saudi Arabia. Evidence indicated an association between certain psychiatric medications—particularly SSRIs and mood stabilizers—and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. However, untreated maternal mental illness was also linked to adverse outcomes. Regional data from the Eastern Province suggested underreporting and limited access to psychiatric care for pregnant women.
Conclusion: The use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy is associated with both potential risks and benefits. Clinicians must carefully balance the need to treat maternal psychiatric conditions against possible fetal risks. Improved surveillance, education, and access to perinatal mental health care in Saudi Arabia are needed to support safe treatment planning.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Fatimah Alkhamis et al., The Effect Of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy On Fetal Outcomes In The Eastern Region Of Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(07)..
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