With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

Pregnancy is a joyous occasion.  Pregnancy, though, does not protect women from experiencing mild to severe depression. Medication and/or therapy may be recommended.

Treating depression is always important and it can be successfully treated during and after pregnancy. Some antidepressant/antianxiety medications can be used safely throughout pregnancy and breast feeding.

Paxil (generic name Paroxetine) has been shown to cause cardiac malformations in the fetus and absolutely should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. There is no evidence that children have harmful long-term effects as a result of their mother taking antidepressant medication during pregnancy.

No medication is 100 percent safe during pregnancy, but some are safer than others. Mood stabilizers generally are not safe during pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, discuss this with your health care provider.

Untreated depression during pregnancy has been proven to lead to higher rates of:

• Lower birth weights
• Pre-term labor (depression doubles the risk)
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs to self-medicate

Please have a candid discussion with both your psychiatrist and OB-GYN regarding the benefits, risks and side effects of all medications. If you have been diagnosed with depression and are considering pregnancy, meet with your health providers before you get pregnant. This will provide peace of mind and help to make sure that you and your baby are both as healthy as possible.

Please share your experiences.

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