[The Meaning of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease and Addiction for Pregnancy Outcome: A Case-control Study of the Birth Cohort 2010-2012].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The worldwide prevalence of neurological and psychiatric illnesses is steadily increasing. Consequently women of childbearing age are concerned as well. This survey examines the question of what kind of effects these illnesses have prenatally on mother and child.

METHODS: In a case-control study, differences in pregnancy, birth process, and birth outcome were associated with a neurological or psychiatric illness of the expectant mother. 325 pregnant women with 331 born children were identified as cases, which were compared to 5 103 non diseased pregnant women with 5 195 born children.

RESULTS: The age of the mother for admission was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. The number of previous gestations and the number of previous induced abortion were significantly higher in the case group. Also the BMI before pregnancy and the length of stationary stay showed significantly higher values in the case group. Children belonging to the case group were born significantly earlier, had a lower birth weight, height, and head circumference. Furthermore Apgar scores were significantly lower in the case group. The frequency of postpartum stationary stay in a children's clinic as well as the length of stationary stay were also significantly higher when the mother suffered from a neurological or a psychiatric illness.

CONCLUSION: The present results point out the correlation between most of the tested parameters and a neuropsychiatric illness of the newborn's mother. The interdisciplinary collaboration between gynecologists and pediatricians, as well as neurologists and psychiatrists should be strengthened to guarantee the best possible medical care.