A research summary by Natalia Szejko and Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl
A recently published study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet examined pregnancy,
delivery, and newborn outcomes in women with Tourette syndrome (TS) or chronic tic
disorder (CTD). The goal was to understand whether having a tic disorder affects pregnancy or
the health of the baby as reported in other neurological or psychiatric disorders (such as epilepsy
or OCD).
The researchers used national medical registry data from Sweden and compared more than
600 pregnancies in women with TS or CTD to over 6,000 pregnancies in women without tic
disorders. They analyzed pregnancy complications, delivery outcomes, and newborn health.
The researchers identified several key findings:
– Some pregnancy complications were more common. Women with tic disorders were
more likely to develop gestational diabetes compared to women without tic disorders,
but the differences were small. Out of about 100 women, approximately 3 with
TS/CTD developed gestational diabetes compared to about 2 in 100 without tic
disorders.
– Cesarean deliveries were more frequent. Both planned and emergency cesarean
sections occurred more often in women with TS or CTD. Altogether, cesarean
delivery (either planned or emergency) happened in about 1 in 8 women with
TS/CTD, compared with about 1 in 13 women without tic disorders.
– Overall pregnancy outcomes were still generally positive. Despite some increased
risks for mothers, the majority of pregnancies resulted in healthy deliveries.
– Most babies born to women with TS or CTD were healthy. The study found no
increased risk of serious health problems in newborns, which is reassuring for
patients and families.
These findings highlight the importance of appropriate prenatal care. Monitoring and support
during pregnancy may help manage risks and ensure the best outcomes for both mother and
baby.
The authors conclude that Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder do not appear to
negatively affect newborn health overall. However, they emphasize that women with tic
disorders may benefit from closer monitoring during pregnancy and individualized care. The
findings provide reassuring information for patients while also helping healthcare providers to
better support pregnant women with tic disorders. It has to be also acknowledged that while
large registry data provide great opportunity to increase the sample size, they often do not
include any detailed or qualitative data, and cannot provide insight in reasons for Cesarean
deliveries or experiences of pregnant women with TS. Therefore, these findings have to be interpreted with caution.
Summary of: Razaz N, Fernández de la Cruz L.; Pregnancy, Delivery, and Neonatal
Outcomes in Women with Tourette Syndrome or Chronic Tic Disorder. Mov Disord. 2025
Dec;40(12):2830-2835. doi: 10.1002/mds.70036. Epub 2025 Sep 10. PMID: 40927925;
PMCID: PMC12710167.