Perinatal Exposure to CNS-Active MedicationsNeurodevelopmental Risks

During pregnancy and lactation, women often receive medications that have CNS activity. However, the developmental consequences for infants of perinatal exposure to these medications have not been fully characterised. Some CNS drugs are associated with congenital anomalies and delayed development. An obvious dilemma arises for clinicians, since maternal benefits of pharmacotherapy must be judiciously weighed against risk to the infant. Treatment plans should be directed to the individual needs of the mother and child, in addition to enhancing safety for the dyad.