Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) during pregnancy: a fetal risk factor

Objective: To examine reports of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) during pregnancy for evidence of fetal risk. Method: PubMed was used to locate relevant literature for the years 1998-2020 and reference lists were examined for materials not located electronically. Results: Ten reports were located dealing with 67 births over 20 years. Stimulation was applied is all trimesters, at low and high frequency, and as intermittent theta-burst stimulation. No mother or baby experienced a serious event. Conclusions: Certainty awaits large, standardized studies. However, the available reports provide no evidence that TMS to mother during pregnancy has detrimental effects on the fetus.

Automated summary

Ten reports covering 67 births over 20 years found no evidence that TMS during pregnancy has detrimental effects on the fetus, but larger standardized studies are needed for certainty.