Sometimes it just happens that one topic gets a lot of news all at once and this week has been hopping with news of prenatal depression. While prenatal depression has recently gotten a lot more attention, we're just now really seeing research about it that reaches the lay people.
- Fetal Exposure to Antidepressants May Delay Development
I read this abstract with a leery attitude. It looks at women who took antidepressants in the second and third trimesters. 81% took a single antidepressant, whereas the rest took multiple antidepressants. The data shows that when measured, various developmental milestones were slightly delayed and still within normal time frames. While this might make you consider other options if you have slight or transient depression, the risks of depression in pregnancy are still great. The decision to use antidepressants should be between you and your practitioner, depending which risk is greater in your case.
- Prenatal Depression and Acupuncture
Just when you're afraid to treat pregnancy depression, you see a study that says something can go right! Apparently there has been some luck with treating prenatal depression with acupuncture. While these 25 minute acupuncture treatments may work for some, this type of treatment is not for everyone. I know one issue that many women have is the availability of an acupuncturist as well as the costs involved. Many insurance companies are now looking at these treatments and covering them. Be sure to check with yours if you think that these might be helpful.
Related:
Sources:
Dennis CL, Allen K. Interventions (other than pharmacological, psychosocial or psychological) for treating antenatal depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006795. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006795.pub2.
Manber, R; Schnyer, R; Lyell, D; Chambers, A; Caughey, A; Druzin, M; Carlyle, E; Celio, C; Gress, J; Huang, M; Kalista, T; Martin-Okada, R; Allen, J. Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Obstetrics & Gynecology. 115(3):511-520, March 2010. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181cc0816
Pedersen L, et al "Fetal exposure to antidepressants and normal milestone development at 6 and 19 months of age" Pediatrics 2010; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-3655.