Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized in its acute phase by delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, catatonia, or flat affect. Generally, the level of the individual's function declines, with withdrawal and social isolation. The onset is usually during adolescence or young adulthood. Genetic as well as environmental and psychologic factors are involved. The disease is considered to have an organic basis with biochemical abnormalities, and drug treatment is usually with neuroleptic antipsychotics. A psychiatric referral is indicated. Suicidal risk should be assessed. Schizophrenic women may have exacerbations during pregnancy and the puerperium and should be carefully monitored. Symptoms in pregnancy often relate to gestational age, bodily changes and foetal movements.