The use of electroconvulsive therapy in pregnancy: a review.

Abstract

Treating psychiatric disorders during pregnancy poses a challenge. Both medication and maternal illness may have adverse effect on the fetus and balancing the risks and benefits of symptoms and treatments is crucial. Medications may affect the fetus adversely, especially in the first trimester. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not known to have adverse fetal effects and therefore may be preferred. A review of the literature and our clinical experience highlight the role of ECT during pregnancy, sometimes offering advantages over pharmacotherapy.