The perinatal period is a high-risk period for the development of illness episodes in women with bipolar disorder. Relapse rates vary between 9 and 75% depending on the study. The overall risk of a severe episode is approximately 20%. The impact on women, the relationships with their babies and their families can be devastating. In the UK costs to society are £8.1 billion per year-cohort of births. The advice currently given to women is based of general risk rates. Women's needs of information for decision-making in the perinatal period are not being met.

To review the risk prediction approaches used for women with bipolar disorder in the perinatal period.

To understand the existing risk prediction models and approaches used for prognosis of the risk of recurrence of bipolar disorder for women in the perinatal period.

Systematic literature search of public medical electronic databases and grey literature on risk prediction for bipolar episodes in the perinatal period.

We will present the existing models and approaches used for risk prediction of illness episodes in the perinatal period.

Awareness of existing risk prediction models for recurrence of bipolar disorder in the perinatal period will allow better informed risk-benefit analysis of treatment and management options.

This person-centred approach will help women and clinicians in their decision-making at this crucial high-risk period.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.