By Ian Jones, Clinical Professor, Cardiff University.
When it comes to taking antidepressants in pregnancy, women and their doctors have a difficult decision to make. Depression in pregnancy and following childbirth (the postpartum period) is common and has potentially serious consequences. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the UK.
However, a number of studies over the past ten years have reported problems associated with taking antidepressants during pregnancy. These include impacts on the pregnancy, such as early delivery and lower birth weight; increased rates of malformations, such as heart problems in the baby; and an increased risk of autism in children. A paper published in JAMA adds to the evidence. It found that exposure to antidepressants in the womb is associated with a modest increased risk of speech and language disorders.
Listen: what is the best health care for you and your new family?
Based on the types of newspaper headlines that usually accompany these reports, it is likely that pregnant women and their partners will be very concerned. But interpreting these complex studies is difficult. So what do we know, and how should women, partners and their doctors respond?
The first important point is that women should not be taking medication in pregnancy unless it is of benefit. For a woman taking an antidepressant and who is considering starting a family, or finds that she is pregnant, this is an excellent time to consider whether the drugs are still needed.
It is important to consider all treatment options, not just drugs. Talking treatments, particularly for mild to moderate depression, may be a better option for some women. Sadly, access to psychological therapies is still problematic in many areas.
Top Comments
My daughter went on anti depressants for anxiety. She also had severe food intolerances which caused her so many awful symptoms for many years until we worked out what she was intolerant to. (this probably attributed to her anxiety) She adjusted her diet but it was hard not to inadvertently eat something that would bring back the reactions. They were truely awful and affected her life to great degree. The meds helped her anxiety but also had the added benefit of eliminating her reactions to the foods she was intolerant to. Still has to be a bit careful but the meds enabled her to live a normal life. So she has a big dilemma when she wants to get pregnant. Every case is individual. She has no other health issues or addictions.
What about those who use antidepressants for anxiety disorders, they aren't just used for depression!
He did use the term mood disorders. This would include anxiety disorders and other mental conditions.