Bumps, babies & bonding: the pharmacist’s role in perinatal mental health

Perinatal mental health disorders affect up to 1 in 5 women, with significant consequences for both parent and child. As pharmacy professionals, we play a critical role in supporting safe and effective treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This session will explore the prevalence and impact of perinatal mental ill-health, equipping pharmacists with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of psychotropic use in this unique period. We will examine key principles guiding medication decisions, review the latest evidence on psychotropic safety, and highlight essential resources to confidently manage perinatal medication queries.
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental ill-health during the perinatal period.
- Be familiar with the guiding principles of using medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Explore the latest data on psychotropic use in pregnancy & breastfeeding.
- Gain awareness of key resources available to answer perinatal medication queries.