In June 2007, more than 250 headlines circulated the major media proclaiming that antidepressants are safe to use during pregnancy. These headlines, according to this important analysis, are not only misleading but in some cases patently untrue.
One of the related studies, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that the risk of several severe birth defects doubled or nearly tripled among babies whose mothers took SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy. Specifically, among women who took SSRIs:
- Anencephaly, birth without a forebrain, occurred 2.4 times more often
- Omphalocele, babies born with organs outside the body, occurred 2.8 times more often
- Craniosynostosis, the premature closing of sutures or fibrous joints knitting the bones of the infant's skull, occurred 2.5 times more often
- An increased risk of neonatal heart defects was detected (among obese women who took SSRIs)
A second study, which was funded in part by two pharmaceutical companies, also found associations between heart defects in newborns and SSRI use, though no mention of the risks was made to the press.
Meanwhile, past studies have noted other risks of SSRI consumption during pregnancy, including an FDA Public Health Advisory warning of an increased risk of congenital malformation of the heart, and links to withdrawal symptoms among newborns of mothers who took the drugs.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy has increased from 5.7 percent in 1999 to 13.4 percent in 2003. However, since these figures are based on Medicaid patients, experts say the jump could be even higher among the general population.
The Huffington Post July 21, 2007
Dr. Mercola’s Comment:
Depression among pregnant women is a serious condition that impacts both the mother and the unborn baby. It’s estimated that nearly 20 percent of women show signs of depression while they’re pregnant.
There have been many conflicting studies attesting to the safety or risk of antidepressants for pregnant women, but drugs are rarely the best option during pregnancy.
This is not to say that pregnant women should not seek help if they feel depressed, only that they should concentrate on safe alternatives that will not pose a threat to their developing baby (not to mention to their own safety).
Among the many natural options for depression, the most important for pregnant women would be to supplement their diet with omega-3 oils like krill oil.
Not only are omega-3 fats known to benefit depression, but they are an absolute must for pregnant women (even those who are not depressed). The omega-3 fat DHA, for instance, helps to:
Pregnant women struggling with depression may also benefit from sticking to their regular exercise program, and getting plenty of safe sun exposure.
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