What is a potential adverse effect of antipsychotics during the first trimester?

Neonatal withdrawal symptoms can occur as a potential adverse effect of antipsychotic medications when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. When pregnant individuals take antipsychotics, the medications can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. If the mother is on antipsychotic treatments, particularly later in the pregnancy, the newborn may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth due to the abrupt cessation of the drug exposure.

These withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, tremors, feeding difficulties, and changes in muscle tone, among others. Recognition of this potential risk is crucial for healthcare providers when managing psychiatric conditions in pregnant patients, as they must weigh the benefits of treatment against the risks posed to the fetus.

The other options provided do not properly reflect the specific adverse effects relevant to the first trimester associated with the use of antipsychotics. For instance, while weight gain can be a consequence of antipsychotic use, it is not a specific first-trimester adverse effect. Increased risk of schizophrenia is not an effect of antipsychotic use; rather, these medications are used to treat such conditions. Premature labor is not a commonly recognized direct effect of antipsychotics in this context.