A new report from America suggests that women who are prone to depression are better off continuing medication during pregnancy than coming off drugs as a precaution.
Weighing up the pros and cons
In the past, the desire to keep pregnant women off drugs wherever possible, and the belief that natural hormones enabled women to deal better with depression whilst pregnant, meant that doctors felt women were better off not taking medication during this time.
However, the Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that a study of 200 pregnant women (all with a history of depression) over a four-year period, suggests these women are more likely to become unwell again if they do not take their medicine.
The drug paroxetine - sometimes used in the treatment of depression - has been identified as a drug that could be linked to a slight increase in the incidence of birth defects, but some other drugs are not regarded as neccessarily dangerous.
It is thought that the stress of depression itself can affect the unborn child and some experts believe that an even medication throughout pregnancy is preferable to high doses required if a woman becomes more ill.
Medication in pregnancy
When discussing any medication with a health specialist, you should tell him or her if you are or think you might be pregnant or even that you are trying for a baby.
If you have any concerns about a drug you already take, consult your doctor.
