PMC

Atypical antipsychotics may impact fetal growth, by altering placental function. Atypical antipsychotics (AA) such as Clozapine are known to effect liver and pancreas function. Such effects can result in altered systemic glucose levels. During pregnancy, this can result in gestational diabetes or contribute to increased nutrient transport across the placenta. In addition, AA can be directly transported across the maternal-fetal interface and potentially impact fetal metabolic balance. However, AAs in the maternal system could impact placental development or function and alter the release of endocrine factors which would impact on fetal growth and development. *Adapted from [].

Trophoblast cells contain serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Trophoblast cells, which are of central importance to placental development and function, contain 5-HT_2A and D₁, D₂, and D₄ receptors. All of these are pharmacological targets of atypical antipsychotics (AA). While the role of the D₄ receptor in mediating the effects of AA is not currently well understood, the D₁ and D₂ have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to increased trophoblast oxidative stress and altered fetal growth. This may be mediated in part through changes in the released levels of endocrine factors.