Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

New Research from the CWMH: Relapse of Major Depression during Pregnancy

Over the last decade, the number of reproductive-age women treated for depression has increased significantly. Given the incomplete information available regarding the reproductive safety of many antidepressant medications, many women choose to discontinue pharmacologic treatment during pregnancy. However, several studies estimate that about 10 to 15% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy (O'Hara et al, 1990; Evans et al, 2001). A recent study from the Center for Women's Mental Health indicates that the risk for depression is particularly high among women with histories of major depression (Cohen et al, 2006).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-11-26T08:41:14-04:00April 22nd, 2006|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is relatively common, affecting about 10 to 15% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, our understanding of how these psychotropic medications affect the developing fetus remains incomplete. For this reason, many women and their physicians would prefer to avoid the use of antidepressants during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy. In a recent study from Dr. Rachel Manber and her colleagues at Stanford University, the use of acupuncture is assessed in a group of pregnant depressed women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T11:46:39-04:00February 14th, 2005|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Light Therapy for Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) is relatively common, affecting about 10% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, our understanding of how these psychotropic medications affect the developing fetus remains incomplete. For this reason, antidepressants are typically avoided during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women at high risk for antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:00:36-04:00June 23rd, 2002|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Depression and Preterm Labor

Although most people tend to think of pregnancy as a time of emotional well-being, depression is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 women. While there are obvious concerns related to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the effects of these medications on the developing fetus, less attention has focused on the impact of depression itself on the pregnancy. A recent study suggests that women with depression may be at greater risk for preterm labor.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:48:28-04:00April 30th, 2002|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Lithium Discontinuation While Attempting to Conceive

For women with bipolar disorder who are planning a pregnancy, it is common practice to discontinue mood stabilizers prior to attempts to conceive, since the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine) all carry some risk of birth defect. The problem with this approach is that, after discontinuation of maintenance treatment, a woman is at very high risk for relapse. The longer it takes to get pregnant and the longer she remains off medication, the greater is her risk for having recurrent illness.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-04-14T16:20:24-04:00February 6th, 2002|Bipolar Disorder, Mood Stabilizers, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Selecting an Antidepressant During Pregnancy

Most women and their doctors try to avoid using medications during pregnancy. Of greatest concern is that a medication used during pregnancy may in some way harm the developing fetus or, at the very worst, cause a birth defect. But what happens when a pregnant woman needs to take a medication?

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:15:46-04:00May 6th, 2001|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Medication, Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations, Treatment|Comments Off

Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy

Unfortunately the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (including lithium and valproic acid) can increase the risk of certain types of birth defects or congenital malformations in children exposed to these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. For this reason, many women with bipolar disorder choose to discontinue maintenance treatment during pregnancy. However, we have observed very high rates of illness during pregnancy among these women who discontinue treatment; over half of the women relapse, most frequently during the first trimester.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:38:39-04:00January 6th, 2001|Bipolar Disorder, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Preventing Depression During Pregnancy

Women who take antidepressants for their depression must make a difficult decision when they plan to become pregnant. Should they continue their medication during pregnancy? Or should they stop? Although there is information to support the reproductive safety of at least some antidepressants, most women, understandably concerned about exposing their babies to medication, choose to discontinue their antidepressant during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-01-13T18:09:48-04:00May 6th, 2000|Depressive Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off