Care of a Patient with Selective Mutism during Pregnancy

Selective mutism is characterized by a lack of speech in one or more situations where speaking is socially expected. This rare and multidimensional disorder which can present with a variety of comorbidities, such as trypanophobia (fear of needles). Little is known about how phobias affect pregnancy outcomes. As providers it is imperative for us to have a better understanding of phobias so we can support a woman and her family during the perinatal period.