Women are often concerned about whether either an untreated psychiatric illness or antidepressants increase the risk of a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Fortunately, data are now available that are consistently reassuring and indicate that antidepressants do not increase the risk, although women who suffer from mood disorders might be at higher risk for miscarriage.
Various instruments have been used to detect postpartum depression (PPD). However, rather than waiting for depression to occur, can we possibly identify women during pregnancy who will go on to develop postpartum illness? If we [...]
In 2012, it was estimated that more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. There are undoubtedly many factors which may contribute to childhood obesity; a new study suggests that maternal depression may increase the risk of being overweight in low-income children.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among women of child-bearing age. While we are increasingly attentive to screening for depressive symptoms after delivery, we may not always ask about PTSD symptoms. Importantly, PTSD symptoms that [...]
Data was presented at the 18th Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Annual Conference in Perth regarding the use of antidepressants among breastfeeding women. Analyzing the data from the Danish National Birth Cohort [...]
It should be no surprise that many women complain of disrupted sleep during pregnancy. According to a recent study, approximately 28%-38% of women meet criteria for sleep deficiency during early pregnancy. (Sleep deficiency is defined as short sleep duration, insufficient sleep, [...]
A recent study investigated the effectiveness of two pediatric primary care interventions for reducing the risk for postpartum depressive symptoms. The researchers tested two interventions designed to promote parental responsiveness: Video Interaction Project (VIP) is [...]
This is from Katherine Stone at Postpartum Progress. Katherine Stone has long been an advocate for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In addition to her website which provides information and support, she has [...]
The active form of vitamin D is produced as a byproduct of natural sun exposure; it can also be in certain foods, including some kinds of fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy and grain products. [...]