Which of the following is a potential effect of antipsychotic use in the third trimester?

Which of the following is a potential effect of antipsychotic use in the third trimester?

• A. Maternal hypotension
• B. Neonatal jaundice
• C. Hyperglycemia in the newborn
• D. Neonatal tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Exposure to antipsychotics in the late stages of pregnancy can affect the mother’s blood pressure due to alpha-adrenergic blockade. This blockade lowers vascular tone, leading to vasodilation and potential maternal hypotension. In the third trimester, this effect is particularly relevant because maternal hemodynamics can influence uteroplacental perfusion, and symptoms like dizziness or fainting may occur, especially with changes in position or during labor. The other options don’t reflect a typical direct pharmacologic effect of antipsychotics in the third trimester. Neonatal jaundice isn’t a common drug-related outcome of antenatal antipsychotic exposure, and hyperglycemia in the newborn isn’t a standard neonatal consequence of these medications. Neonatal tachycardia can occur in various contexts, including withdrawal or distress, but it isn’t a typical direct effect of in utero antipsychotic exposure.

Exposure to antipsychotics in the late stages of pregnancy can affect the mother’s blood pressure due to alpha-adrenergic blockade. This blockade lowers vascular tone, leading to vasodilation and potential maternal hypotension. In the third trimester, this effect is particularly relevant because maternal hemodynamics can influence uteroplacental perfusion, and symptoms like dizziness or fainting may occur, especially with changes in position or during labor.

The other options don’t reflect a typical direct pharmacologic effect of antipsychotics in the third trimester. Neonatal jaundice isn’t a common drug-related outcome of antenatal antipsychotic exposure, and hyperglycemia in the newborn isn’t a standard neonatal consequence of these medications. Neonatal tachycardia can occur in various contexts, including withdrawal or distress, but it isn’t a typical direct effect of in utero antipsychotic exposure.