[ozmidwifery] well it would, wouldn't it?

[Mary Murphy]

Suicide attempts impair obstetric outcomes Source: Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006; 107: 984-90 Estimating the effect of attempted suicide on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women who attempt suicide while pregnant risk adverse reproductive outcomes, such as premature birth and even neonatal death, researchers warn. In a study of almost 5 million deliveries in California between 1991 and 1999, they found that attempting suicide during pregnancy increased a woman's risk of preterm labor, having a cesarean delivery, and needing a blood transfusion. And the children of the 2132 pregnancies that were complicated by attempted suicide had elevated rates of respiratory distress syndrome and low birthweight. Sonal Gandhi (University of California, Davis, USA) and colleagues also did a subanalysis of women who gave birth during their first hospitalization for a suicide attempt. Along with increased risks of respiratory distress syndrome and premature delivery, the babies born to these women had significantly increased risks of neonatal and infant death. The researchers say that the data support the argument for continuing psychiatric medications during pregnancy, "especially now when many of the antidepressants... are being scrutinized in regard to their use during pregnancy." Posted: 19 May 2006