Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period, with research suggesting that 1 in 5 pregnancies are impacted by PMADs. Struggles with mood and anxiety disturbance in the perinatal period can have negative ramifications for pregnancy outcomes, as well as disrupt maternal-infant attachment. Despite these known risks, many healthcare providers are hesitant to discuss pharmacological treatment options during this period citing concern about the impact of medication exposure during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Milicent Fugate, M.D. will provide an overview of the risks of untreated maternal mental illness during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as discuss treatment options for common PMAD presentations.

About Dr. Milicent Fugate:
Dr. Fugate is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry. She attended the University of Louisville for undergraduate studies and the University of Kentucky for her medical doctorate. Dr. Fugate completed a general psychiatry residency at the University of Kentucky and completed her fellowship training in women’s mental health at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.