Medication - to have or not have

Are you currently on Psychiatric Medications?

Are you thinking of becoming pregnant?

Do you have a history of Mental Health Illness, find that your pregnant

and your condition is worsening?

Or are you already on medication and wondering whether you should stop while pregnant?

These are all great questions and the answer is..............it depends.

This issue is probably the most difficult of all in which it becomes a complex clinical, ethical and legal situation. It needs careful consideration of the risks and benefits in relation to the mother and the baby.

Prior to working in this field, I was more on the "avoid if you can" opinion, however since working in this field with parents who suffer considerably, my views have changed somewhat.

I believe there is a place for medication when mothers are so unwell that trying to do therapy with them is virtually impossible. In some cases, medication is needed - just to give us some space to work in.

So if your struggling with this decision, dont make it on your own. Talk to your Doctor or seek specialist care from a Psychiatrist who can advise you.

Phone support lines such as MotherSafe NSW are happy to provide you with the information you need to help make an informed decision. Contact details are (02) 9382 6539 in Sydney Metro area or 1800 647 848 outside of Sydney Metro. Open Monday - Friday 9am till 5pm.