The principles of medical ethics can guide clinicians toward solutions to dilemmas involving the mental health treatment of women who are pregnant, postpartum, or trying to conceive. In situations that seem to pit the needs of a perinatal woman against the needs of her fetus or baby, clinicians can reframe the problem to find a solution that most benefits the mother–baby dyad. A woman's ability to make informed decisions about medical care includes her ability to decide on behalf of her fetus. Explanations of the risks of psychiatric treatments must be balanced with explanations of the risks of the untreated symptoms. Using these guidelines helps ensure that women are not stigmatized by having psychiatric disorders or by being pregnant.
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