The characteristics and outcomes of prolonged psychiatric hospitalization during pregnancy: Opportunities for integrated psychiatric and prenatal care
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
17-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Introduction
Pregnant patients with severe psychiatric illness face substantial barriers to stabilization and consistent prenatal care. These challenges are compounded by social and medical comorbidities often resulting in adverse outcomes for both mother and infant. This case series examines the demographic, psychiatric, and obstetric characteristics of pregnant individuals undergoing prolonged psychiatric hospitalization, as well as associated maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Objectives
To (1) characterize the demographic, psychiatric, and obstetric characteristics of pregnant individuals requiring prolonged psychiatric hospitalization; (2) evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with these admissions; (3) identify opportunities to integrate psychiatric and prenatal care to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 45 pregnant individuals admitted to psychiatric units between 2017–2025 for inpatient stays. Extracted data included psychiatric diagnoses, medical comorbidities, substance use, interventions during admission, gestational age at admission and delivery, and neonatal outcomes.
Results
The median length of stay was 51 days (range 5–340). Schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders were the most common diagnoses; 73.3% of patients had comorbid substance use. More than half experienced unstable housing or lacked reliable social support. Despite significant psychosocial adversity, 75.6% delivered at ≥ 37 weeks. Preterm birth occurred in 24.4%, with 4.5% of neonates classified as low birth weight. Preeclampsia developed in 12.9% of patients; no cases of postpartum hemorrhage were identified. NICU admission occurred in 29% of infants, primarily for prematurity or drug withdrawal monitoring. At discharge, 80.6% of infants entered foster, kinship, or adoptive care.
Conclusion
Prolonged psychiatric hospitalization during pregnancy may represent a critical window for stabilization, coordinated prenatal care, and multidisciplinary discharge planning for highly vulnerable populations. These findings highlight the need for integrated psychiatric and obstetric services to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research should assess long-term maternal recovery, child development, and the ethical implications of this care model.
Embargo Period
6-4-2026
The characteristics and outcomes of prolonged psychiatric hospitalization during pregnancy: Opportunities for integrated psychiatric and prenatal care
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction
Pregnant patients with severe psychiatric illness face substantial barriers to stabilization and consistent prenatal care. These challenges are compounded by social and medical comorbidities often resulting in adverse outcomes for both mother and infant. This case series examines the demographic, psychiatric, and obstetric characteristics of pregnant individuals undergoing prolonged psychiatric hospitalization, as well as associated maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Objectives
To (1) characterize the demographic, psychiatric, and obstetric characteristics of pregnant individuals requiring prolonged psychiatric hospitalization; (2) evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with these admissions; (3) identify opportunities to integrate psychiatric and prenatal care to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 45 pregnant individuals admitted to psychiatric units between 2017–2025 for inpatient stays. Extracted data included psychiatric diagnoses, medical comorbidities, substance use, interventions during admission, gestational age at admission and delivery, and neonatal outcomes.
Results
The median length of stay was 51 days (range 5–340). Schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders were the most common diagnoses; 73.3% of patients had comorbid substance use. More than half experienced unstable housing or lacked reliable social support. Despite significant psychosocial adversity, 75.6% delivered at ≥ 37 weeks. Preterm birth occurred in 24.4%, with 4.5% of neonates classified as low birth weight. Preeclampsia developed in 12.9% of patients; no cases of postpartum hemorrhage were identified. NICU admission occurred in 29% of infants, primarily for prematurity or drug withdrawal monitoring. At discharge, 80.6% of infants entered foster, kinship, or adoptive care.
Conclusion
Prolonged psychiatric hospitalization during pregnancy may represent a critical window for stabilization, coordinated prenatal care, and multidisciplinary discharge planning for highly vulnerable populations. These findings highlight the need for integrated psychiatric and obstetric services to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research should assess long-term maternal recovery, child development, and the ethical implications of this care model.