Postpartum psychosis prevention

The risk of postpartum psychosis can be reduced through careful planning and specialist follow-up.

Before pregnancy

• Arrange an appointment with your psychiatric team.
• Develop a preventive plan for the postnatal period.
• If medication is being considered to prevent postpartum psychosis during a future pregnancy, discuss its safety with your healthcare team.
• Have an individualised assessment of the potential benefits and risks of continuing medication as a preventive treatment. This assessment takes into account:
  • The risk of relapse without medication.
  • The potential risks of the medication to the developing baby.
  • Maintaining mental health stability during pregnancy can help support a smoother postnatal period and support breastfeeding and the development of the mother–baby bond.

During pregnancy

• Regular follow-up with the psychiatry and mental health nursing teams.
• Careful adjustment of medication where necessary.
• Monitoring sleep and stress levels.

After childbirth: a key stage

• Very close follow-up during the first few weeks after childbirth.
• In many cases, preventive treatment is started immediately after childbirth.
• Avoid sleep deprivation.
• Encourage active involvement from family members.