Perinatal Strategic Planning Masterclass: Fundamentals to treatment decisions during pregnancy

Perinatal Strategic Planning (PSP) is the foundation of informed, evidence-based decision-making during pregnancy and postpartum. More than just a checklist, PSP guides what to discuss, when to discuss it, how it should be approached, and by whom all while centering the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

This approach respects women’s autonomy through a shared decision-making process, building trust and empowering informed choices. While risk analysis lies at the heart (or is a fundamental part) of PSP, its true power lies in providing structure, context, and clarity for decisions that shape maternal and infant health.

Why is PSP Needed?

More than 80% of women with psychiatric conditions during pregnancy go untreated—often due to fear and misinformation about medications. This is despite strong evidence that untreated maternal mental illness can lead to adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

PSP bridges this gap, helping healthcare providers and mothers navigate complex decisions with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

The 10 Core Components of PSP

1. Build Trust: Foster a respectful, collaborative relationship between mother and provider.
2. Consider the Dyad: Always keep the health of both mom and baby in view.
3. Don’t Forget the Children at Home: Recognize the impact on older children during pregnancy.
4. Avoid Knee-Jerk Reactions: Stopping medication abruptly can carry its own risks.
5. Balanced Risk Analysis: Weigh the risks of untreated illness against medication risks.
6. Acknowledge Inherent Risk: Every pregnancy carries baseline risks—there is no zero-risk scenario.
7. Stay Neutral: Present risk evaluations without bias—psychiatric medications are often unfairly judged.
8. Know the Research Limits: Be cautious interpreting studies with confounding factors or non-comparable populations.
9. Context Matters: Tailor decisions to each woman’s unique bio-psycho-social background.
10. Review Regularly: Pregnancy is dynamic—decisions must evolve with physiological and developmental changes.

About the Workshop

Start Date: 26 May 2025

Format: Self-paced online learning

Who Should Join:

1. Psychiatrists
2. Obstetricians
3. GPs
4. Mental health professionals
5. Midwives
6. Anyone supporting maternal mental health

Join Dr. Elsa du Toit for a transformative, evidence-based workshop designed to elevate the care of pregnant and postpartum women.