Essential Reads:Â Ovarian Suppression for the Treatment of Severe PMDD
While many women experience physical symptoms prior to the onset of their period or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a smaller subset of women suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome. PMDD is characterized by significant premenstrual mood disturbance, often with prominent mood reactivity, irritability, and depression. Symptoms of PMDD can emerge 1-2 weeks preceding menses and typically resolve with the onset of menses. This mood [...]
New Research from the CWMH: The Course of ADHD During Pregnancy
We continue to see an increasing number of women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are either pregnant or planning to conceive. While we have considerable data to indicate that women with mood and anxiety disorders are at increased risk for relapse during pregnancy, we have very limited information on the course of ADHD during pregnancy.  In a recent study for the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Dr. Alison Baker [...]
In Brief: Gabapentin (Neurontin) for the Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
While the majority of pregnant women experience nausea and/or vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, a smaller subset of women — around 1% — experience more severe and intractable vomiting, or hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). If left untreated, prolonged hyperemesis can lead to weight loss, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte disturbances. Hyperemesis may also increase risk for anxiety or depression during pregnancy. We have few options for the effective treatment [...]
Essential Reads: Alcohol and Breastfeeding
We frequently receive questions regarding the safety of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. While the harmful effects of alcohol use during pregnancy are well known, we have much less information regarding the consequences of alcohol use in breastfeeding women and their infants.  Some healthcare providers urge abstinence, yet others believe that alcohol consumption by the breastfeeding mother poses little risk to the infant.  A review article on this topic published [...]
What About Pregnant Women and the COVID-19 Vaccine?
It hasn’t even been a week since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Yesterday, Americans started receiving their first doses of the vaccine. However, our supplies of the vaccine are still limited, and states are now determining who will be at the top of the list to receive the vaccine.  Should Pregnant Women [...]
Essential Reads: Screening for Perinatal Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety symptoms are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. According to a recent meta-analysis from Fawcett and colleagues, about one out of every five women has at least one type of anxiety disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period. In 2015, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a committee opinion recommending that clinicians screen patients at least once during the perinatal period for depression and anxiety symptoms.  [...]