New research has revealed that women with severe mental illness have a greater chance of developing a serious medical complication during pregnancy.

In a study published today, results show women suffering from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders were three times more likely to develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

Professor Megan Galbally from Murdoch University and the University of Notre Dame Australia, who led the investigation, said the finding indicated these women had higher risk for more complicated pregnancies and required careful monitoring and care.

“GDM carries serious risks for the mother, the birth, the baby and the child later in life, including increased risk of preterm birth, having a larger than normal baby, low blood sugar in the infant following birth,” Professor Galbally said.

“There is also a higher risk of both the mother and child developing Type 2 diabetes later in their life.”

Three-fold risk

Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 539 pregnant women with severe mental disorders, recording the occurrence of GDM, types of medication, body mass index, smoking, alcohol and illicit substance abuse.

They found that 20.9 per cent of these women suffered from GDM compared to just 8.3 per cent in the average population.

Specific antipsychotic medications were also associated with a higher risk of GDM even after controlling for maternal mental illness, age and body mass index.

“Hopefully, growing awareness of the importance of the mental health of childbearing women with psychotic disorders will lead to improved care,” Professor Galbally said.

“All women in Australia are screened for GDM at 28 weeks of pregnancy however these findings suggest women with psychotic disorders and those on specific antipsychotic treatment could be considered for earlier screening for GDM in pregnancy.

“This highlights the importance of specialist multi-disciplinary antenatal care in pregnancy for women with Severe Mental Illness such as the CAMI (Childbirth and Mental Illness Antenatal Clinic) at King Edward Memorial Hospital and at Mercy Hospital for Women.”

This project was a collaboration between Murdoch University, The University of WA, King Edward Memorial Hospital in Western Australia and Mercy Hospital for Women in Victoria.

Results from this study will inform the ongoing Mercy Pregnancy Emotional Wellbeing Study, which is examining antidepressant use and depression in pregnancy on maternal and infant health outcomes.

MPEWS has women and infants participating in the study in Melbourne, Perth, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Bunbury.

The study was published by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.