To compare the current standards of clinical practice with the recommendations of NICE guidelines (CG 45).

NICE guidelines (CG 45) on Antenatal and Postnatal Mental health suggest that Healthcare professionals should discuss contraception and the risks of pregnancy including relapse, risk to the foetus and risks associated with the stopping or changing medication with all women of child-bearing potential who have an existing mental disorder and or who are taking Psychotropic medication.

A standardised questionnaire was answered by 50 female patients out of 60, attending New bridge unit in Birmingham for the Outpatient appointment in the month of November -2007. The age group was between 18 and 50. The questionnaire was handed out at the reception and Doctors encouraged patients to fill out the questionnaire. Confidentiality was not compromised.

12 (24%) patients were aware of contraception. 17 (34%) knew about the risks of relapse during pregnancy. 15 (30%) women recognised the risks of stopping or changing the medication and 13 (26%) agreed that the risks to foetus were informed to them. This indicated there was room for improvement.

To improve the standards of practice

1. · The Audit report that highlighted standards, was disseminated to all the clinicians through formal power point Audit presentation and through emails.

2. · The importance of passing on the relevant information to the patients was incorporated in Doctors Handbook for Junior Doctors.