Dealing with depression during pregnancy

Grand Rapids, Mich (WOTV) - If you're dealing with depression or mental illness it's important to realize there are options for continued treatment during pregnancy. Many women are advised to stop taking their medications for fear of causing complications for the baby. This can actually result in worse pregnancy outcomes compared to women who continue with treatment. Pregnant women who do decide to stop their medication may find benefits from therapy. Before stopping medication consult with the doctor who prescribed it to determine the safest plan during your pregnancy.

• After a consultation between their psychiatrist and obstetrician/gynecologist (to discuss risks), psychiatrically stable women who prefer to stay on medication may be able to do so.
• For those who want to discontinue medication and are not experiencing symptoms, tapering and discontinuation may be attempted. However, women with a history of recurrent depression are at a high risk for relapse.
• Those with recurrent depression or symptoms despite their medication may benefit from psychotherapy to replace or augment medication.    

Pregnancy does not cure mental illness. Many women with mental illness are advised to stop their medications during pregnancy for fear of causing problems for their babies. Because stopping medications for mental illness can result in worse pregnancy outcomes when compared to women who continue their medications, The American college of obstetricians and the American psychiatrist association support the use of medications for women with mental illness. Before stopping their medications, women should consult their provider who prescribed the medication to determine whether it will be safer to continue or stop the medication    .

For more information go to:

http://postpartumprogress.com/acog-apa-issue-guidelines-for-treatment-of-depression-during-pregnancy