Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Are They Safe?
Up to twenty percent of women suffer from depression while pregnant with some requiring medications. Is antidepressant use harmful during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, but up to one in five women deal with depression during this all important time. Not only is this hard on the mom-to-be, but it can affect the health of the unborn baby. Depressed moms to be are more likely to drink, smoke, and eat a poor diet in a misguided attempt to deal with their depressed mood. Obviously, it’s important for the health of both mom and baby that the symptoms of depression be treated; but are antidepressants the answer? At one time, using antidepressants during pregnancy was considered to be safe, but now there questions about their safety.
Are Antidepressants Harmful During Pregnancy?
What are the risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy? There’s growing concern that using antidepressants during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects in the unborn baby. A class of drugs known as SSRI’s are being closely scrutinized since recent studies show they’re associated with a slightly higher risk of birth defects – particularly the drug Paxil. A study showed that women who took Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy were two times more likely to give birth to babies with structural heart defects.
Taking antidepressants during the second half of pregnancy doesn’t seem to be any safer. A study showed that taking Paxil during this time increases the risk of a lung problem known as pulmonary hypertension. If this condition isn’t treated quickly, the death rate can be as high as one in ten, and some infants that survive have ongoing neurological problems.
Other classes of antidepressants may also be harmful during pregnancy although there’s less data available. Tricyclic antidepressants – commonly used to treat depression in the past – have been associated with limb deformities, although more recent studies haven’t confirmed this. One antidepressant that doesn’t seem to be harmful during pregnancy is Wellbutrin.
Alternatives to Using Antidepressants During Pregnancy
With the potential risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy, what are a pregnant woman’s options? So far, Wellbutrin appears to be safe for women who need prescription therapy. In some cases, depression during pregnancy can be treated without prescriptions using stress relief techniques such as yoga, biofeedback, or counseling.
The Bottom Line?
Don’t ever stop antidepressant medications without medical supervision since suddenly stopping these medications can lead to dizziness, headache, and problems sleeping. The best approach is to consult with your doctor to discuss medication options.
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drelayaraja | Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
Nice advice for pregnant women.
Steve Keyser | Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
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PREGNANT ON PROZAC?
Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy is not always an exciting, happy or glowing experience. Clinical depression affects 15-20% of pregnant women, sometimes hitting so hard that the moms-to-be attempt suicide. Mothers of multiples are at even higher risk with more than 25% suffering during pregnancy and postpartum.
The new mother of eight in LA needs regular mental health assessment. Prenatal and postpartum depression is a hidden illness with potential grave consequences.
Many women are on life-saving anti-depressants before pregnancy and can’t afford to go off or other women develop a deep depression while pregnant and don’t know where to turn for relief, as most doctors are uneducated about treatments during pregnancy.
Dr. Shoshana Bennett has clients who are ready to tell their stories on radio or TV. Jennifer wanted to avoid anti-depressants during pregnancy, but ended up needing one. Marlo refused medication and was able to get through her pregnancy with natural treatments.
Dr. Shosh knows the struggles. She is the survivor of two life-threatening, undiagnosed postpartum depressions and the founder of Postpartum Assistance for Mothers. A pioneer in the often-ignored field of postpartum depression, Dr. Shosh is the author of the newly released Pregnant on Prozac, The Essential Guide to Making the Best Decision for You and Your Baby, a hard hitting look at the various natural treatment options available for pregnant women today. Many women panic and scramble for answers after learning they’re pregnant. This is the only book of its kind. Dr. Shosh will provide simple, practical tips for wellness.
TALKING POINTS:
Does the media exaggerate the risk?
Is dose tapering a safe option?
What alternatives are worth pursuing?
What happens when the pediatrician disagrees with the psychiatrist?
About Dr. Shoshana Bennett, PhD:
Shoshana Bennett, PhD, is also the author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies. A clinical psychologist, she founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987 and has helped over 17,000 women recover from depression in pregnancy and postpartum. She has appeared on national radio and TV shows, including 20/20 and The Doctors. Dr. Shosh is interviewed regularly on radio and television and has been quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines such as the The Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Glamour, Psychology Today, New York Post, Self, Cosmopolitan, and the Chicago Tribune.
Dr. Bennett is available for interviews.