Ž . International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 65 1999 3945 Article Timing of suicide attempts by self-poisoning during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes  ´ A.E. Czeizel , L. Tımar, E. Susanszky ´´ ´ Department of Human Genetics and Teratology, National Institute of Public Health  WHO Collaborating Centre for the Community Control of Hereditary Diseases, Budapest, Hungary Received 3 August 1998; received in revised form 20 November 1998; accepted 1 December 1998 Abstract Objecti  e: The purpose of this study was to examine the timing and consequences of suicide attempts by self-poisoning during pregnancy. Methods: A population-based prospective study was organised in the toxicological in-patient hospital in Budapest which is responsible for health services for adult inhabitants poisoned by ingesting chemicals in Budapest and the surrounding area involving 3 million people between 1985 and 1993. All women aged Ž . between 16 and 50 years 22 969 who were admitted to the study hospital due to suicide attempts by drug ingestion were examined by a sensitive serum pregnancy test. Results: Of 559 self-poisoned pregnant women, two died. The peak period of suicide attempts was found to be in the first postconceptual month and its majority resulted in a very early fetal loss. The second highest figure was recorded in the second postconceptual month. Thus, 61% of suicide attempts occurred before the third postconceptual month. Later pregnancies had a significantly lower proportion of attempting suicide parallel with advanced fetal development. Conclusions: Most suicide attempts by self-poisoning occurred after the early recognition of unwanted pregnancies and most resulted in a very early fetal loss. Pregnancies with advanced gestation months had a significantly lower proportion of attempting suicide.  1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Keywords: Suicide; Self-poisoning; Pregnancy; Very early fetal loss  Corresponding author. TelFax: 36 1 3944712; e-mail: czeizel@oki.jakobi.hu 0020-729299$20.00  1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Ž . PII: S 0 0 2 0 - 7 2 9 2 99 00007-7