Is it safe to take antidepressants during pregnancy?

Depression is a serious problem in modern society and today most people are taking anti-depressant medication to help them cope with it. Taking anti-depressants while pregnant can get a bit tricky however because of the effect these medications can have on the fetus. But it’s not possible for a pregnant woman who is suffering from depression to stop taking her medication all at once because not only can it cause withdrawal symptoms, it can lead to bigger problems as well.

Pregnancy is already a state in which there are a lot of emotional ups and downs and hormonal changes happening in the body. If you’ve been depressed or are suffering from the symptoms of depression, then it’s a good idea to consult a doctor who will be able to help you with the right kind of treatment.

Anti-depressants cannot entirely be ruled out during pregnancy but there have been some studies that indicate that moms who took anti-depressants could likely give birth prematurely and/or have babies with abnormalities.  Women who took certain anti-depressants like Prozac could have babies with heart abnormalities as well.

This is of course a scary scenario but what is scarier is having a baby while suffering from depression. Clinical depression is a serious matter and has to be dealt with whether you’re pregnant or not. If the case of depression is serious then speak to your physicians and ask them if you can take a safe anti-depressant, one that won’t affect your fetus. Depression in itself can be harmful and it’s unsettling to learn that depression can be passed through you to your unborn baby. Depression and its symptoms could manifest themselves in the newborn also in various ways such as tremors and convulsions but could have lasting effects in the growing child. Psychotherapy is a better option to consider if you don’t want to go on taking heavy medications.

Trying to remain stress free, exercising properly and eating healthily could help counter the worst of the depression although it’s always better to consult your doctor about whether or not you should take anti-depressants.