While the title itself raises eyebrows, the researchers themselves state that they were unable to conclude if the results were because of medication or the underlying depression. Also important to keep in mind is that this research is based on women who had prescriptions filled for SSRIs but does not appear to have checked to see if these women actually took the medication. Instead, they rely on data from a national registry.  Read on…

Dr. Shosh Says…

Finally, treatment for the serious and potentially life-threatening illness of prenatal depression (for both mom and therefore baby) is being formally discussed.  Fifteen percent of clinically depressed pregnant women try to take their lives – a bit more risky for the baby than mom taking an antidepressant, wouldn’t you say?  If the pregnant woman can be non-depressed without a medication, that’s optimal.  Some form(s) of treatment, however is essential.  If natural and alternative approaches to wellness are not enough, it is regarded by those in the know to be safer for her (and her developing baby) to take an antidepressant than to remain depressed.  Depression itself –  it is quite clear from the research – crosses the placenta and alters the uterine environment causing negative consequences to the baby.  In the latest research there appears to be low (0.9%) chance of a septal heart defect in babies whose mothers had taken certain antidepressants.  However, what fear-mongers do not report, is that the researchers themselves could not be sure whether it’s the antidepressant or the underlying depression itself that caused the defect.  Women need all relevant information and education about options for treatment during pregnancy so they can make the best decision for themselves and their family.  Watch out for alarmists who are not interested in actual data – they are simply invested in promoting fear in women who are at their most vulnerable.