Congenital Malformations, Stillbirths, and Infant Deaths Among Children of Women With Schizophrenia

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Abstract
THE RISK OF congenital malformations, stillbirths, and infant deaths among children of women with schizophrenia has rarely been investigated. Most studies have been based on small sample sizes. However, there is some evidence that the children of schizophrenic women have an increased risk of these outcomes.1,2 An increased risk of stillbirth and infant death might be suspected, as schizophrenic women are often smokers and substance abusers, and tend to live in poor socioeconomic conditions.2 If it was known that children of women with schizophrenia have an increased risk of stillbirth or infant death, it might be possible to prevent some of these deaths in the future.