Pregnancy is a happy moment in a woman’s life. However, for some it could bring in the blues. Antepartum and postpartum depression afflicts a sizable percentage of women according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG). Depression could kick in to an estimated 14%-23% of women during pregnancy and between 5%-25% after giving birth.

Common manifestations of depression include feelings of anger, worthlessness or guilt, disinterest in the baby, change in appetite, sleep problems, inability to concentrate and or make decisions, and harmful thoughts about the baby or oneself.  These are symptoms that are easily passed off as hormonal imbalance that is normal in any pregnancy.

Depression is more than just a temporary hormonal change but a real ailment caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. If the condition is left untreated, it could pose risks not just on the health of the mother but on the baby’s as well.  Studies revealed that depressed women are prone to smoking and taking drugs.  In addition, severe cases of depression are linked to certain birth complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight. Studies revealed that untreated maternal depression produced negative effects on an infant's cognitive, neurologic, and motor skill development, and can also negatively impact mental health and behavior of older children.

Treatment of depression primarily involves psychotherapy and antidepressants.  Bright morning light therapy, acupuncture, and exercise are considered as alternative approaches.  ACOG recommends the screening of pregnant women for depressive conditions to ensure that existing condition receives proper medical attention and care for the benefit of both the mother and the baby.

Most pregnant women prefer a non-drug treatment option for their depression, though they are at times, made to choose the lesser of two evils.  Should they gamble on the possibility of birth defects and take antidepressants?  Or do they opt for a safer route for the baby and risk on a relapse?  Medical professionals put the overall risk of taking antidepressants during pregnancy as low especially when weighed against the potential dangers of a major depression if left untreated.

Various research and studies abound regarding the effectivity and safety of antidepressants.  Many remain skeptical over the benefits outweighing the side effects of such drugs.   Mitchell Mathis, M.D. of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had pegged the response rate of patients to prescribed antidepressants at approximately 60 to 70.  However, there are health risks involved when the patient is pregnant.  An advisory issued by FDA affirmed studies revealing the serious side effects associated with Paxil taken during pregnancy.  Evidence showing Paxil birth defects led to the drug’s reclassification from a risk category C to D.



URL References

- acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2010/Perinatal_and_Postpartum_Depression_a_Top_Priority

- mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007

- gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm095980.htm