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.
Following the food pyramid will help to ensure you’re meeting all of your proper nutritional needs. You’ll want 3-4 servings of dairy, 6-11 servings of grains/bread, 3-4 servings of meat/protein, 2-4 servings of fruit, and 3-5 servings of vegetables.