Complex Mood Disorders in Pregnancy

Learn more about pregnancy care for patients with complex mood disorders.

Overview

If you have a pre-existing mood disorder, it is important to have specialized care during pregnancy.

In many cases, mood disorders can be effectively managed by a midwife or obstetrician. However, in complex cases, patients will see a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist in our clinic.

Our MFM specialists are high-risk obstetricians who support patients with health conditions during their pregnancy. They see patients with mood disorders and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenia, substance use and eating disorders.

Based on your specific needs, we will focus on monitoring both you and your baby during pregnancy. We can also provide additional support if your conditions worsens during pregnancy.

If you are not currently pregnant, we encourage you to speak to your family physician or mental health provider before planning a pregnancy.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Medical Disorders of Pregnancy.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Your pregnancy care

Many patients have concerns about whether their medication is safe during pregnancy. Our MFM specialists will help you understand your treatment options so that you can make the best possible decisions for both you and your baby.

It is important to us that you actively participate in decision-making about your care.

You will have prenatal appointments with your MFM at the Medical Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic. You may also have appointments with a psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital through our Perinatal Mental Health program or with your own mental-health provider.

Treatment

It is important to continue treating your mood disorder during pregnancy.

Our team will work with you to decide on a care plan that balances your treatment needs and minimizes risks to your pregnancy.

We will also arrange for additional monitoring of both you and your baby, as needed.

Your care plan may include any of the following:

Psychotherapy with a mental-health provider
Peer-led support sessions
Medication such as antidepressants or other mood-stabilizing medicine
Adjustment of medication for safety and effectiveness in pregnancy
Careful monitoring of your baby's development
More frequent and extended appointments to discuss concerns
Postpartum planning to establish a safety net of support

Labour and delivery

Our recommendations for your labour and delivery care may include the following:

Scheduling an induction of labour, if needed
Monitoring your health throughout labour and delivery
Monitoring your newborn
Extended stays in our postpartum unit, as needed
Adjustments to medication, as needed

It is important to continue to see your mental health provider throughout the first year postpartum. Mood disorders can fluctuate during that time and your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.