Depression Treatment during Pregnancy

A new report from the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists finds that women should talk to their doctors about whether they should continue to take antidepressant medication during pregnancy.

"Pregnant women who experience psychotic episodes, have bipolar disorder, or who are suicidal or have a history of suicide attempts should not be taken off antidepressants, the report concludes."

"Separate studies from Sweden and the U.S. suggested an increased risk for congenital heart defects in babies born to women who took Paxil during pregnancy. But the joint panel found the evidence linking Paxil use during pregnancy to heart problems in newborns to be inconclusive."

Antidepressant "use during pregnancy has also been linked in some studies to an increased risk for miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. But once again, the report found no definitive link between the use of the antidepressants and these pregnancy outcomes."

Recommendations in the report include:

"Women who are already pregnant should not attempt antidepressant withdrawal if they have severe depression. Psychiatrically stable women who want to stay on antidepressants during pregnancy should consult with their psychiatrist and ob-gyn about the potential risks and benefits. Women with recurrent depression or those who have symptoms despite drug treatment may benefit from psychotherapy when available."

If your pregnant daughter is taking antidepression medication, talk to her doctor as soon as possible about the risks and benefits of her medication.