Thousands of women throughout the world take antidepressants during pregnancy, but more and more studies indicate that there may be some serious risks involved with this practice.
In a recent article in the UK’s The Telegraph, doctors reaffirmed their earlier warnings about the potential birth defects that can occur when pregnant women take antidepressants, specifically SSRI’s.
What are SSRIs?
SSRI stands for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, a specific class of antidepressants formulated to help increase serotonin levels in patients suffering from depression. SSRIs accomplish this by inhibiting the rate at which serotonin is reabsorbed into specific cells in the brain.
SSRIs have been around since the 1970’s, and in the four decades since, studies have indicated that they are quite effective in cases of severe depression, but their effectiveness with patients suffering from milder forms of depression continues to be in question.
While these types of medications have proven invaluable in the treatment of individuals suffering from clinical depression, and while depression can make pregnancy more complicated for many women, it’s important to weigh the risks against the benefits, which is what doctors are emphasizing with this latest article.
The specific risks of antidepressants and pregnancy
Once doctor in particular, Tufts University’s Dr Adam Urato, worries that the manufacturers of antidepressants are underplaying the risks of these medications, which have been linked in multiple studies to premature birth, autism and other illnesses.
Another worry, expressed in the article by Harvard’s Dr Alice Domar, is the frequency with which these types of medications are prescribed by general practitioners without the addition of talk therapy – an important component of any psychological treatment plan.
From an obstetrics perspective, it’s also important to emphasize that your OB/GYN needs to be involved in any decisions you make regarding medication while pregnant. Studies, articles and opinions can help you gather all of the facts necessary to make an informed decision, but when it comes to making the best choices for you and your baby, you and your OB/GYN are the real experts.
If you are on antidepressants and pregnant or trying to conceive, be sure to share this information with your Florida OB/GYN and be prepared to discuss any potential concerns at your next check-up.
