Uso de psicofármacos durante la gestación: necesidad vs seguridad: Use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy: Necessity vs Safety

The safety of psychoactive drugs during pregnancy is a crucial issue in clinical practice. In this review, a brief overview of the changes in pregnancy that impact the pharmacodynamics of drugs is made; in addition, the main pharmacological groups in psychiatry and their effects during pregnancy are analyzed. Three critical periods during pregnancy are identified. The period of the first two weeks is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. The period from the second to the tenth week is the most at risk , since teratogenic effects that affect fetal development can take place. The period after the tenth week is characterized by alterations in fetal growth and functional development , however ,less severe defects. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and second-generation antipsychotics are considered the safest, but the latter may be associated with metabolic syndrome, congenital heart disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Lithium has been associated with teratogenic effects and cardiac malformations, while valproate is associated with major birth defects. Benzodiazepines can have toxic effects and cause Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome . The safety of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy requires an individualized assesment of the benefits and risks. Although some groups of psychiatric drugs are considered relatively safe, caution is needed when considering the potential complications associated with their use during pregnancy. La seguridad de los psicofármacos durante el embarazo es un tema crucial en la práctica clínica. En esta revisión, se hace un breve recorrido sobre los cambios en el embarazo que impactan en la farmacodinamia de los medicamentos, además, se analizan los principales grupos farmacológicos en psiquiatría y sus efectos durante el embarazo. Se identifican tres períodos críticos durante el embarazo. El período de las primeras dos semanas se asocia con un mayor riesgo de aborto espontáneo. El período de la segunda a la décima semana es el más riesgoso, ya que pueden ocurrir alteraciones teratogénicas que afectan el desarrollo fetal. El período posterior a la décima semana se caracteriza por alteraciones en el crecimiento y desarrollo funcional del feto, pero suelen ser menos graves. Los antidepresivos, especialmente los inhibidores selectivos de la receptación de serotonina (ISRS) y los antipsicóticos de segunda generación se consideran los más seguros, pero estos últimos pueden est