Medication in Pregnancy

What is this study about?
Medications (e.g. antidepressants, lithium, etc) can be very important in the treatment of mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder). Untreated mood disorders may have serious consequences for both the mother and her family. This study will examine the wellbeing of infants and young children of mothers have taken these medications during pregnancy.

What will the information be used for?
There are now a number of studies which have focused on the wellbeing of newborns following maternal use of psychotropic medication during pregnancy. However there are far fewer studies which also examine longer-term child outcomes. Our study aims to help fill this gap by focusing on development outcomes for children at 18-months of age.
It is important to know that in any publication or report, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified.

You will be eligible if you:

• Have taken medication for the treatment of a mood disorder some time during your pregnancy;
• Are not on any mood disorder medications during your pregnancy and do not plan to take them in the postnatal period

What would I need to do?
Participation in this study requires you to fill in a small number of questionnaires to assess your emotional health and medication intake including any non-prescription drugs and alcohol at the following time points:

• At 36 weeks pregnant (face-to-face)
• At 6 months post-partum (over the phone)
• At 12 months post-partum (over the phone)
• At 18 months post-partum (face-to-face)

When your child has reached 18 months, we offer you the opportunity for your child to be assessed by a psychologist to examine his/her growth and developmental milestones.

Who do I contact?
If you are interested in participating or finding out more about the study, please contact Tracy Heung on 9715 9224 or email her at info.burwood@sjog.org.au.