Prenatal Exposure to Stress, Alterations in Fetal Brain Development Associated with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Fetal brain development is altered by elevated maternal distress and has adverse infant social-emotional and cognitive outcomes.
Essential Reads: Duloxetine and Pregnancy (2021)
In this large study with over 1500 exposures, duloxetine exposure during the first trimester does not appear to increase risk of major malformations.
New Research Study: A Behavioral Activation App for Depression During Pregnancy
We are now recruiting for a study using a novel app using behavioral activation to treat depression during pregnancy.
Essential Reads: Bright Light Therapy for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy, Mixed Findings
In terms of the efficacy of bright light therapy for depression during pregnancy, the jury is still out.
Essential Reads: Guidelines for the Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy During Pregnancy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for many psychiatric illnesses occurring during pregnancy.
Depression During Pregnancy Affect Infant’s Brain Anatomy, But No Change with Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs
Infants exposed to maternal depression during pregnancy had significantly larger subcortical grey matter volumes and smaller midbrain volumes.
Essential Reads: Measuring the Impact of Antenatal Depression on the Fetal Brain Using Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging studies indicate that exposure to antenatal depression may determine risk for later neuropsychiatric illness in the child.
Essential Reads: Using Neuroimaging to Visualize the Impact of Maternal Depression on the Developing Brain
When a woman comes in for a consultation regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, we spend most of our time reviewing the potential risks of exposure to medications during pregnancy. However, we must also [...]
Essential Reads: Is there a Role for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Women at Risk for Perinatal Depression?
The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential components of the human diet and have a broad range of health benefits. Furthermore, they may also be beneficial [...]
Understanding the Psychological Consequences of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Most women have some nausea or vomiting, or “morning sickness”, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women, however, have a more severe and persistent pattern of nausea and vomiting called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). [...]