What is NRAMP?

 
The National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy (NRAMP) has been developed to gather information from women across Australia who take antipsychotic medication during pregnancy.

NRAMP aims to:

  • Provide a better understanding of antipsychotic medication use during pregnancy, birth and for the first year of the baby’s life
  • Allow for the development of evidence-based guidelines for the best use and effect of antipsychotic medication during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal phase
  • Assist healthcare professionals, and women with mental illness, to make informed decisions about appropriate treatment options, and encourage safer outcomes for both mother and baby, during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal phase
  • Enhance our knowledge regarding the care of women with mental illness during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal phase

NRAMP is a unique, world-first, descriptive, Australia-wide research study which follows the journey of mother and baby during pregnancy, delivery and for the first year of the baby’s life. It is designed to collect and record information on maternal and neonatal health and wellbeing during this time frame.  It is not designed to provide treatment recommendations, make mental health diagnoses or pass judgement on any individual.

The development of NRAMP

Women all over the world, from all backgrounds, may experience the desire to have children at some point in their lives. Pregnant women with mental illness are frequently prescribed antipsychotic medication, while some women with mental illness are already taking antipsychotic medication before they discover they are pregnant.
 
However, there is little information available about the possible effects of antipsychotic medication on the developing fetus or the mother during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal phase. This raises difficult decisions for pregnant women and the healthcare professionals who are involved in their care. They may choose to continue with current medication despite uncertainty about potential effects, or to change or stop medications, which may lead to unacceptable side-effects or a worsening of symptoms. In some cases, stopping medication may lead to the woman becoming too ill to look after herself or her baby.
 

The Purpose of NRAMP

This is the driving force behind the development of NRAMP. NRAMP will culminate in an important best-practice resource to improve the quality of life for both present and future generations.  We highly value the encouragement and support of all clinicians, and strongly urge you to refer appropriate patients to this ground-breaking and innovative research.
 
 
 
 

 

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