birth defect - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Folic Acid Supplements Before and After Conception: Prevention of Autism

In a recent editorial in The Annals of Internal Medicine entitled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,” authors make a case that multivitamins are not a good value (Dec 17, 2013 issue). This editorial was based on new research that demonstrated that there was no association between multivitamin use and rates of mortality, cognitive decline and recurrent cardiovascular events in three different studies. The assertion that multivitamins are not worth the money was widely reported in the media.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-05-15T20:32:46-04:00January 29th, 2014|Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

SSRIs and Cardiovascular Malformations: Another Look

Over the last few years, we have reported on several studies which have suggested an increased risk of certain types of cardiovascular malformations among children exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. The first reports suggested a link between cardiac septal defects and exposure to paroxetine; subsequent studies have also shown elevated risks with the other SSRIIs.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-10T14:03:04-04:00November 20th, 2012|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Zolpidem (Ambien) in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. While zolpidem (Ambien), a sedative-hypnotic agent used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, is commonly prescribed in pregnant women, the information regarding its reproductive safety has been sparse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-13T11:45:40-04:00November 22nd, 2010|Pregnancy & Medications, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off

Clinical Update 2010: Use of Stimulant Medications in Pregnancy

Approximately 4% of the adult population suffers from ADHD. Attention and executive functioning difficulties also occur in those with mood and psychotic disorders and require treatment strategies similar to those used to address ADHD symptoms. First line medications most often used to treat ADHD in adults are Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Metadate).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-12-22T13:05:25-04:00September 27th, 2010|ADHD Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off