X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

Are antidepressants safe for mums-to-be?

4 min read
Are antidepressants safe for mums-to-be?

This study throws light on some unsettling connections between taking antidepressants during early pregnancy and birth defects in babies. Read on!

Apparently, there is a link between use of antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy and birth defects. According to this report, Montreal researchers claim that it’s a matter of concern considering that intake of antidepressants by an increasing number of mums-to-be is leading to almost double the chances of some congenital malformation in the babies.

According to Dr Gauree Pimpralekar, MD, DGO, Consultant - Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist, Sahyadri Hospital, Nashik, “Many antidepressants are not safe during pregnancy. They are known to cause certain birth defects. Pulmonary hypertension in the new born, heart defects, preterm delivery to birth defects like Anencephaly- affecting spinal cord and brain, Craniosynostosis - affecting skull development, Omphalocele- limb malformation, limb defects, are some of the complications that might show up.”

But then, the opinions are varied. Dr Nilesha Chitre, Gynecologist, SRV Hospital feels most of the antidepressants are safe during pregnancy and the overall risk of having birth defects is 3-5%. “With an intake of antidepressants during pregnancy, there is no significant rise in birth defects,” she says. However, she also adds that mild depression or symptom-free period of more than six months don't require medicines during pregnancy.

Depression is a sensitive topic. Add pregnancy to it, and it becomes like a double-edged sword. What do you focus on? While pregnancy is definitely not a disease, it’s a phase in which the mum-to-be needs to be extra careful. However, dealing with depression at such times becomes difficult and resorting to professional help is always advisable.

Artemis Hospital’s senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Renu Raina Sehgal feels a decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy is based on the balance between risks and benefits. Overall, the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is very low. Still, few medications have been proved safe without question during pregnancy, and some types of antidepressants have been associated with health problems in babies.

Are antidepressants safe for mums-to-be?

“Treating depression is important in pregnancy, if not treated, the mother might not be able to give optimal care for the baby. She might start drinking alcohol and smoking. This could result in premature birth. Other problems may include baby being born with low birth weight. The mother might also have difficulty in bonding with the baby after it is born,” informs Dr Anu Sridhar, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

While prenatal depression is quite common, varying in intensity, of course, it's vital to consult a professional before taking any steps. To begin with, thanks to the hormonal changes, women are bound to feel low during pregnancy. That in itself doesn't qualify as depression. Most often, it's only if the mum-to-be experiences symptoms like low energy, change in appetite, anxiety, lack of sleep, frequent crying, etc., for over two weeks, does she need to raise the red flag.

However, if you feel you aren’t clinically depressed and it’s just the hormones playing truants, indulge in a healthy routine. Be it going for a walk, indulging in some group exercise, talking to friends or close family, or just taking up a hobby, having a set pattern helps. As Dr Chitra states, one must keep in mind that while pregnancy can aggravate depressed condition due to hormonal changes, mild variety can be tackled by counselling, lifestyle changes like taking up outdoor activity, yoga and other exercises.

However, moderate to severe conditions require medicine support after joint consultation of psychiatrist and obstetrician. "Untreated depression can be detrimental. Such patients are unable to take care of themselves, may take up alcohol, drugs or smoking which inturn is quite harmful to pregnancy leading to increased risk of miscarriage, preterm births, birth defects, low birth weight problems," she informs.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the article, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook  to stay up-to-date on the latest from sg.theasianparent.com!!

Partner Stories
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Divya Nair

  • Home
  • /
  • Trying To Conceive
  • /
  • Are antidepressants safe for mums-to-be?
Share:
  • Study: Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may lead to autism in children

    Study: Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may lead to autism in children

  • 8 Prenatal Do's and Don'ts

    8 Prenatal Do's and Don'ts

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • Study: Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may lead to autism in children

    Study: Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may lead to autism in children

  • 8 Prenatal Do's and Don'ts

    8 Prenatal Do's and Don'ts

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.