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Oct. 8, 2009
Depression and pregnancy: What you need to know
By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
It's important to discuss your plans for
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Here are some findings from research on pregnancy and depression:
- Babies born to moms with depression have an increased risk for irritability, less activity and attentiveness and fewer facial expressions.
- There are possible fetal abnormalities when mothers take antidepressants in the first trimester. But there's not a particular pattern associated with a specific medication or class of medications.
Some specific treatment recommendations include:
- Talk to your provider early if you are planning to conceive. You can talk about the best options for you as an individual.
- Encourage the provider who will deliver your baby and your mental health provider to consult with each other on the best options for you. They will help you understand the risks and benefits of medication versus therapy, etc.
- If you are taking an antidepressant for depression, don't discontinue or change your dose of medication on your own. This could be dangerous and your symptoms could worsen.
- If you have severe depression and are pregnant, you should remain on medication.
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