Should Pregnant Women Consume Antidepressant Drugs?

People suffering from depression problems face a lot of challenges in life. Since they are depressed, they have no joy in life or don’t have a desire to live healthy. Depression is a mental illness that must be given its due seriousness to be attended as early as possible. There are many drugs that your doctor can prescribe, which will help you cope with depression. These are known as antidepressant drugs.

But, what if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant? What if you are currently on some antidepressant drugs? Should you stop them completely or change your prescription? These are quite worrisome questions since you need to be free of depression to properly take care of yourself and give the necessary prenatal care to your baby.

At the same time, you do not want these drugs to harm your child in any way. We need to know if antidepressants are safe for pregnancy.

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Before, it was thought that pregnancy was actually a cure for depression. But, today research has come to light showing that this is not the case. And, so comes the question whether to stop antidepressants or not during pregnancy since these kinds of drugs are harmful to the growing foetus. Here we may examine the pros and cons to stop antidepressants during pregnancy.

Treatment is essential: Before you decide to stop antidepressants, you need to know that treatment is essential for depression, especially during pregnancy. Otherwise, you will not be able to take proper care of yourself or prepare for the baby.

Risks of antidepressants: There are some inherent risks involved in taking antidepressants during pregnancy. Miscarriage, heart burn, preterm birth and low birth weight are some of them, which may force you to stop antidepressants.

Benefits of antidepressants: Before you decide to completely stop antidepressants during pregnancy, you need to know its benefits as well. Women free of depression will be able to take better care of themselves and their growing baby.

Some safe antidepressants: There are some antidepressants safe for pregnancy. These include tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, bupropion etc. But, always consult your doctor before taking medications.

Under the doctor’s supervision: Antidepressants safe for pregnancy, as long as they are consumed under the supervision of your doctor and gynaecologist. Never stop or switch medications without your doctor’s knowledge.

For mild depression: If you have suffered only from mild depression, you can stop even antidepressants safe for pregnancy under the supervision of your doctor. He can recommend exercises, yoga or meditation to counter the symptoms.

In acute cases: If you suffer from severe depression or mental illnesses like the bipolar disorder or suicidal tendency, you need to take antidepressants that are safe for pregnancy. It will be better for both you and your baby.

Relapse symptoms: If your doctor has recommended you to stop the antidepressants safe for pregnancy, you need to be braced for a depression relapse and associated symptoms like nausea, anxiety and fatigue.

The bottom line: The bottom line for taking antidepressants safe for pregnancy is that you need to have a fine balance between the inherent risks and benefits of the treatment. Consult your doctor before deciding to continue, stop or change your drugs.