Obstetric Care of the Patient With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are a clinically complex group in need of focused, multidisciplinary care in the perinatal period. During pregnancy, these patients are at increased risk of substance use disorders and child protective services involvement, as well as multiple adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Coordinated care with psychiatry is critical, as psychotropic medication treatment can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Even with medication treatment, the variability in impairments to patient autonomy requires attention to decision-making for these individuals. This review highlights best practices when caring for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders from preconception through postpartum.