Depression is common among women of reproductive age and an estimated 8% – 20% of women get depressed at some point in their lives.  Though it may sound benign, depression is not a mild problem and can have severe consequences such as suicide attempts.  Thus, whether or not to take these medications is a serious matter when weighing the risk of untreated depression to the mother, versus the risk to the fetus from taking an antidepressant drug.

Fortunately, now women who require anti-depressants and are looking to get pregnant have a reason to feel much relieved: a recent study on children born to mothers who had been taking tricyclic antidepressants or fluoxetine has cleared up the mixed messages about taking antidepressants during pregnancy and shown that tricyclics and Prozac are reasonably safe options for both mother and fetus.

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did you have and how did you get over it?

Being pregnant can be a wonderful time in your life, but it can also be a cause for concern and worry if you’re a woman taking antidepressants. Women are constantly counselled to avoid medication during pregnancy, but stopping antidepressant medication can be very dangerous to do. Not only that, the effects of antidepressants on an unborn foetus haven’t been fully studied and while researchers offer caution, they don’t have firm answers on medication for depression and pregnancy.

Suddenly halting antidepressant use can have a serious effect on a person. Plunging into profound depression is a high risk of stopping medication abruptly, and anyone taking antidepressants is constantly warned not to put aside their pills without first consulting a doctor and following a careful plan to wean off the medication.

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Hello,

I am in need of help. I am pregnant in my 2nd Trimester and have felt considerable depression during my pregnancy. Symptoms include: Lethargic, unable to get out of bed, no desire to socialize or participate in family activities, loss of desire to complete daily tasks. I have two other children ages 7 and 2yrs old and my depression is becoming burdensome and a distracting me from caring for my other children. I am experiencing intense sadness and loss of interest in daily endeavors. These symptoms are very different than normal pregnancy hormone related symptoms as they are more intense and dark in nature. I have discussed with my doctor but I do not want to take prescription medications and would like to consider all natural antidepressants.I have heard that Sam-E is supposedly good, however I want to make sure that any natural antidepressants I may take will not have harmful side effects on the baby while I am pregnant.

Question:
Are there any SAFE all natural Antidepressant remedies available to take during pregnancy?

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I am 6 1/2 months pregnant and have an 11 month old at home and I am going through postpardum depression and dealing with the hormones of pregnancy at the same time. The doctor gave me Prozac and told me it was safe but the pharmacist told me it was not safe. Has anyone heard of negative effects on unborn baby from Prozac and does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this another way?

i have been really depressed during the last 4 monthsof my pregnancy and at time i have some bad thoughts. i was just wounddering if this will effect that baby at all. i haven’t asked my doctor cause i am afraid of what he might say or do
i have been depressed over other issue not about the baby

financial issues, relationship problems. this is our first child and he’s been talking about separation. i’m worried about getting a divorce. it’s a long and complicated story and i’ve been depressed going on 3 weeks now. medication? therapy?…what can i do? and i am going to the doctor wed. for my glucose test and i plan on asking. 28w
Thanks A** just what i needed. some idiot with no life.

I’m just curious if taking depression medication during pregnancy is wise. I’m not pregnant, but when I am, I am scared to go off depression medication because I have severe depression when I’m not on it. I don’t think I could handle 9 months of that.

And how does pregnancy affect those with depression? Anyone?

I have been on Wellburtin for mild depression for many years. I am now 9 weeks pregnant and am continuing to take Wellbutrin. It is a catagory C which means there are no known risks for birth defects but it has not been cleared either. It is the first medication that What To Expect lists as a good med to take for depression during pregnancy. I do have a friend who took it her whole pregnancy and had a happy healthy baby girl. I am wondering if there are others out there who have had healthy babies while taking Wellbutrin. Than ks in advance.