Can You Take Antidepressants During Pregnancy?

For millions of American women, depression is much more than “the blues.” Clinical depression represents a chronic condition that can often be debilitating, affecting every aspect of their worlds. For many of these women, antidepressants have made dramatic improvements in their quality of life.

However, can you take antidepressants while pregnant? You may have wondered about antidepressants and pregnancy and how they will affect the fetus or if they will cause a miscarriage. We have the answers you need as we tackle this timely topic.

Should I Stop Taking Antidepressants While Pregnant?

There are two factors that you have to weigh for antidepressants and pregnancy: The effect on your baby and the effect on your mental health.

There are risks when tapering off antidepressant use. Those who are depressed or who are experiencing acute mental health issues may be less likely to get prenatal care.  In addition, untreated depression can also cause low birth weight, and babies whose mothers are depressed may present with higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

Most researchers agree that antidepressants during pregnancy don’t cause birth defects, although they can have an effect on the developing fetus. Studies are still ongoing. It’s also not clear whether these effects are from antidepressant use or the mother’s psychiatric illness.

How Do Antidepressants Affect a Fetus?

The most common types of antidepressants are SSRIs. These increase the level of serotonin in your brain. Common SSRIs include Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and Prozac.

While most SSRIs present minimal risk, around 30 % of the babies born to mothers on an SSRI experience something called neonatal adaptation syndrome. It can cause irritability, jitteriness and in some cases, difficulty breathing.

In addition, there is a very rare defect called persistent pulmonary hypertension. (PPHN)  In this condition, the baby’s lungs do not inflate well.

Of course, PPHN can be caused by other conditions, and it is more common in babies that were born after their due dates or in mothers who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. An estimated 1 in 1,250 babies gets PPHN.

Can Antidepressants Cause a Miscarriage?

There is no dramatic increase in the risk of a miscarriage with antidepressant during pregnancy. In one study, the risk of miscarriage was 12% in women taking antidepressants versus 11% in women who did not.

In another research study, scientists concluded that the diagnosis of depression was actually associated with a higher risk of miscarriage than exposure to an antidepressant.

How Do Other Psychiatric Medications Affect Pregnancy?

Depression isn’t the only mood disorder facing many Triangle women. Other illnesses such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders are not unusual. It’s important to speak with us—as expert obstetricians in Raleigh, we can advise you on the best course of action.

Paroxetine

This antidepressant has shown, in a small number of cases, the rare possibility of cardiac defects in babies. However, research studies on this topic don’t always take into account other factors – such as smoking and obesity—that can also affect the fetus.

Benzodiazepines

This class of medications includes tranquilizers such as Xanax, diazepam and clonazepam. If taken in high doses during pregnancy, they can cause respiratory distress and sedation in newborns. If you have an anxiety disorder, are interested in conceiving, and are currently taking one of these medications, please schedule an appointment to talk to us. We can help you find alternatives and create a plan tailored to look out for both your needs and the needs of your baby.

Valproic Acid

This medication is often used to treat bipolar disorder and it presents a 10 percent risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.  Research has also shown that it can also cause problems with the baby’s cognitive development.

At Associates In Women’s Healthcare, We’re Concerned About Both Your Physical and Mental Well-Being

If you’re on antidepressants, like many women in Raleigh and the Triangle area, we recommend speaking with us and your prescribing physician about the benefits versus risks of staying on the antidepressant. It’s important to note that if you decide to taper off the antidepressant, there’s a high likelihood that your symptoms will return.

Our goal is to safeguard the health of your baby and your mental health. Together, we can accomplish this through our compassionate, individualized care. For decades we’ve been women providing care for women. See why we’re the practice of choice for so many Triangle patients.

Contact us for an appointment today.