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Do antidepressants affect babies during pregnancy?
It’s one of the age-old arguments during pregnancy – should or shouldn’t expectant mothers be taking antidepressants?
Date: 5/2/2018 10:08:18 PM ( 6 y ) ... viewed 387 times It’s one of the age-old arguments during pregnancy – should or shouldn’t expectant mothers be taking antidepressants?
In 2018, it was recorded that approximately 5% of women during pregnancy were turning to antidepressants (or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRI) including Paroxetine, Sertraline and Citalopram.
However, does this make it safe for soon to be mothers to be taking antidepressants at all during pregnancy?
The experts at after-hours doctor service, House Call Doctor break down everything you need to know from potential risks involved to what alternative options are available.
How do I know if I’m depressed?
Depression during pregnancy (also known as antepartum depression) can sometimes go unnoticed due to many women putting their feelings down to hormones or ‘typical mood swings’. That’s why it’s very important to be able to decipher the difference between depression and the ‘baby blues’.
If you are experiencing the below signs for longer than two consecutive weeks, you may be experiencing depression and should consult a doctor:
• Changes in eating habits
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in hobbies, or activities you usually enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of sadness and or guilt
Will taking antidepressants affect my baby?
Until now, the answer to this question was that there are usually only some short-term symptoms noticed with newborns from the use of antidepressants.
Most symptoms were only mild, including irritability and fast breathing, and usually pasted within two weeks.
However, a recent study released by JAMA Paediatrics suggests antidepressants including SSRI’s used by expectant mothers could potentially interfere with fetal brain development – particularly with areas of the brain affecting emotions.
This research brings an entirely new perspective on antidepressants for both pregnant women and medical professionals, the paper is preliminary, meaning there is still a way to go for JAMA Paediatrics.
So, why has it taken this long for research to be presented detailing further harmful effects of taking antidepressants during pregnancy?
In simplest terms, because researchers are not allowed to conduct in depth investigations on expectant mothers.
Instead, there are many reports supported only by observational research which looks at the connection between women on antidepressants and the health outcomes of their newborns.
What are my other options?
There are other options besides antidepressants for expectant mothers to investigate if they are experiencing difficult situations.
These alternatives primarily look at methods of relaxation and even distraction.
• Psychotherapy: Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on how to improve moods by interacting with others. It’s a highly structured and timely approach scheduled across approximately 12 weeks to assist in resolving any interpersonal problems or symptomatic recovery.
• Acupuncture and massage: This may seem like an odd alternative, but acupuncture and massages are proven to ease the physical discomfort women experience during pregnancy and therefore improve their mood. Many workshops also offer to teach women how to practice progressive muscle relaxation to do at home, which can lower levels of anxiety etc.
Am I Safe to Takes Antidepressants?
Overall, there is no evidence suggesting antidepressants will put your baby in major harm.
Doctors usually prefer for women with depression to be treated as it’s more dangerous to leave those with moderate or severe depression untreated for both the mother and the baby.
If you feel you may be suffering from depression, consult your regular doctor for further information on what your next step should be
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