There is a good deal of controversy lately when it
comes to pregnant women taking anti-depressants. The reason for the controversy
stems from the fact that there is a large risk for women 25-44 years old to
develop depression - up to 25%. Since these are the prime years for
childbearing, many women find that they are suffering through depression while
they are pregnant. Previous studies saw no increase in pregnancy problems when
on certain anti-depressants, but unfortunately new studies are showing otherwise.
Earlier Studies on Anti-Depressants
Previous studies indicated that there was not an
increase in stillbirths, miscarriages, or premature births when pregnant women
take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, and
Zoloft.
Anti-Depressants Cause Birth Defects?
Unfortunately, reports released this year are showing an increased risk to
babies whose mothers take anti-depressants. One study this year contradicts
studies in the past, saying that there is an increased risk in birth defects
for women who take SSRIs in their first trimester. Sandy Zeskind, a research
professor in pediatrics at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, says
that babies who were prenatally exposed to SSRIs had adverse effects on their
central and autonomic nervous systems.
Further research is being conducted on this topic.
Anti-Depressants Cause Withdrawal
Symptoms in Newborns?
Another study showed an increased risk for newborn withdrawal symptoms for
women who take SSRIs in their third trimester. These withdrawal symptoms were
the result of being cut-off from the medications that they had been receiving
through the mother's placenta. The most commonly reported symptoms were
irritability, increased crying, tremors, shortened breath, nausea, and convulsions.
These symptoms typically lasted only one to four days after birth, and rarely
lasted more than a few weeks. Because of this, doctors are being urged to
recommend to their patients that they lower their dose, or stop taking
anti-depressants altogether, two weeks before their due date.
Anti-Depressants Still Being Prescribed
That said, some women are still being coached to treat their depression with
anti-depressants, after weighing the risks. Doctors say that halting the use of
antidepressants when a woman becomes pregnant may be harmful to the baby - due
to the withdrawal symptoms the mother experiences, and the loss of assistance
that the medication provides. Other physicians say that if a woman is severely
depressed and psychotherapy is not helping, it is best to take anti-depressants
to avoid weight loss and preterm delivery.
Alternatives to Anti-Depressants
Depression can be treated in a number of ways. Women may go to therapy or
counseling. They may join a support group - in person or online. They may
undergo psychotherapy. Depending on the cause of depression, some patients will
engage in light therapy, take supplements, begin an exercise program, or change
their diet.
