Do Atypical Antipsychotics Increase Risk for Excessive Weight Gain in Pregnancy?

An increasing number of women take psychiatric medications during pregnancy, including atypical antipsychotics. To evaluate whether these medications are differentially associated with gestational weight gain, investigators relied on a registry of pregnant women who had psychiatric diagnoses and were taking psychiatric medications.

The analysis covered 279 women who reported first-trimester exposure to an atypical antipsychotic and 124 women taking other psychotropics (mean age, 32; white, 92%; college-educated, 67%). Women exposed to atypical antipsychotics were younger, less educated, and less likely to be married. Polytherapy was noted in 74% of the atypical-antipsychotic group and in 35% of the comparison group. Bipolar disorder was the …