Last week came research published on the effect of taking antidepressants on the developmental milestones of infants for those women who have depression during pregnancy.
As reported by Jennifer Thomas of HealthDay:
Using data on more than 81,000 babies born in Denmark, researchers found that children whose mothers took antidepressants during the second or third trimester sat without support later and walked later than children of depressed mothers who did not take medication. This was especially true for boys.
Despite the delays, the children’s progress was still well within the bounds of normal development, the researchers noted. Children whose mothers took antidepressants sat about 16 days later and walked nearly a month later than the children of mothers who didn’t take the drugs …
Despite some concerns, Dr. Diane Ashton, deputy medical director of the March of Dimes and an ob-gyn, urged women not to make any hasty decisions about discontinuing the drugs and to consult with their doctors first.
“For the most part, we feel it’s important for women to be adequately treated for depression during pregnancy,” Ashton said. “Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may not have a choice. If the mother is depressed or suicidal to the point of hurting herself, she needs treatment.”
Dr. Ariel Dalfen, who is a psychiatrist and expert on postpartum depression at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, says that although it’s prudent to pay attention to these kinds of studies, it’s important to emphasize to patients that the results were inconclusive because “people get very scared.” And while she acknowledges that every patient’s situation is different, she says that women on antidepressants should never decide to go off their medication on their own.
“When people need to be on these medications, you have to balance the very small potential for side effects that haven’t been well-documented with the need to treat their problem,” she says. “We never want to take any prescribed treatments lightly, because there is always a small possibility that there could be negative effects on the fetus. But you need to make sure you’re balancing all the risks and benefits, including the risks of having an untreated depression during pregnancy.”
After speaking at length with my internist and OB regarding the effects of antidepressants on an unborn baby, I made the decision it would be best for me to stay on them. I have never regretted that decision, and my son has never shown any type of a developmental delay whatsoever. Yes, studies reveal a great deal of information, but their findings aren’t applicable in every situation.
Great information Katherine! I love reading your blog every day and finding out about the new information you have to share. I don't know how you stay on top of it all but I am thankful!
Meghan
I have superpowers. 😉
Thanks for sharing CB!
I didn’t take so much as a Tylenol when I was pregnant and my baby didn’t walk until 14 months. She’s brilliant (of course 😉
I think medication is fine as long as it's being monitored. So much needless worry. If I had to do it again, I would totally medicate during pregnancy. It could have prevented my OCD freakout afterwards.
And I didn’t talk until I was three. Now they can’t get me to shut up. Goes to show you every child is different.
My child is severely developmentally delayed. She is 15 months and can not sit independently, roll, or take her weight on her feet. Nor does she fix or follow anything. I took anti depressants in my pregnancy and in the 20 week scan they detected extra fluid in her brain ventricles. So i stopped taking my anti depressions and went cold turkey for 3 months then I had a relapse and had no choice but go back on them. I was taking mirtazipine for anxiety stress and insomnia. I am currently on my own single mum and my daughter is not making any efforts or interest to sit or play with toys. I was told at the child development clinic today that she may be unable to walk Or talk properly. Her MRI scan also showed a tiny cyst at the back of her brain, but with extra fluid in her ventricles, her soft spot hasnt closed over so they dont want to take any risks to do surgery. All Doctors and specailists she has seen don’t have any idea what caused her abnormalities and her genetics test came back that its not in my genes or her Dads. My instinct is telling me it was the anti depressants. She will attend a special school and I have been given equipment for her to support her posture. She looks the normal child but she is 15 months and she’s more like a 6 month old baby. I don’t know if she will be permantly delayed or if she will meet any milestones.. it is just a waiting game. I would love to hear if anyone has the same problem if any. I would love to hear from you