A few months ago I wrote about the new guidelines submitted by the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concerning treatment of depression during pregnancy. At that time, the decision on whether to continue treatment with antidepressants was largely dependent on the severity of the depression. It was found that for some women, the benefits of treatment outweigh the possible risks of treatment.
Recently another study conducted research on the effects of antidepressants on newborns. The results showed that the newborns of mothers who took antidepressants during their pregnancy were more likely to be born preterm and/or need neonatal intensive care. Babies were, on average, born five days earlier and were more than twice as likely to be admitted to the NICU.
Overall, the message has remained the same. The negative side affects of antidepressant use should still be weighed against the risks of a pregnant woman suffering from severe depression, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women suffering from depression are more likely to participate in harmful activities such as drinking or smoking during their pregnancy. In these cases, where depression cannot be treated naturally (such as therapy), drug intervention may still be the best option.
Despite the guidelines and the evidence from recent studies, there is still no clear cut answer for all women. Each case should be carefully considered and the best form of treatment should be determined by the woman and her health care providers. Regardless of whether or not drugs are used to treat depression during pregnancy, treatment is absolutely imperative. The method of treatment can vary greatly. There are other options besides drugs, such as social support, adequate nutrition, exercise, and light therapy. Ultimately, the health of both the mother and the baby must be considered in making a decision.