• pregnancy

    PPHN and SSRIs: Another Study Evaluating the Risk

    In 2006, Chambers and colleagues published an article linking SSRI use during late pregnancy to an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN). Based on the results of this analysis, the authors estimated the risk of PPHN to be about 1% in infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy (after 20 weeks). However, subsequent studies did not demonstrate a significant association between PPHN and SSRI usage. A new study, this one relying upon data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, has observed an elevated risk of PPHN among SSRI-exposed infants.

    Impact of Infertility Treatment on Risk for Depression and Anxiety

    Infertility and its treatment have been shown to be a trigger for both depression and anxiety.  Women with pre-existing histories of depression and anxiety who have been stable on medication may find themselves with worsening symptoms brought on by the stress involved in the process of infertility treatment.  Many women find the process an emotional roller coaster of hopefulness and disappointment.

    Pre-Existing Psychiatric Illness is a Risk Factor for Postpartum Suicide Attempt

    A recent population-based case-control study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology used Washington State birth certificates linked to hospital discharge data to evaluate the association between hospitalization for a psychiatric illness before delivery and risk of postpartum suicide attempt. The study compared women hospitalized for a postpartum suicide attempt (n = 355) with a group of controls who had not been hospitalized (n = 1420).

    Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Linked to Infant Sleep Problems

    The link between maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcome has been well-documented in the medical literature and reviewed on our website. A recent study published in the journal Early Human Development suggests that a mother's stress during pregnancy may also negatively affect her baby's sleep patterns.

    Psychological Stress During Pregnancy and Risk for Stillbirth

    Previous studies have suggested that prenatal stress may be associated with a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight (reviewed in Hobel et al, 2008). A recent study from Danish researchers has investigated the impact of psychological stress on risk for stillbirth.

    Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

    We commonly see women in our consultation service who have histories of depression and are planning pregnancy. They frequently have questions about alternative treatments for depression while pregnant. Given that many women are taking omega-3 fatty acids prior to pregnancy, the question arises whether they should discontinue them during pregnancy. An additional question is whether omega-3 fatty acids can be used instead of antidepressants for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

    FDA Proposes Major Revision of Prescription Drug Labeling

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed major revisions to prescription drug labeling in order to provide more accurate and helpful information on the effects of medications used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As it stands, the current system used by the FDA classifies the reproductive safety of medications using five risk categories (A, B, C, D and X) based on data derived from human and animal studies. While widely used to make decisions regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, many have criticized this system of classification, indicating that this type of drug labeling is often not helpful and, even worse, may be misleading.

    Melatonin in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

    Many women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. For a significant number of women, the sleep disruption may be so severe as to require some type of intervention. In a previous post, we discussed the use of different types of medications to treat insomnia during pregnancy. While these drugs are highly effective, many women with sleep problems inquire about the use of "natural" agents, such as melatonin, during pregnancy.

    Maternal Stress and Low Birth Weight Predict Later Risk for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

    It has been postulated that psychological stress in the mother, if present at a critical time of brain development, can permanently alter a child's response to stress and may have long-term negative consequences.  In response to stress, blood flow to the uterus is restricted and the fetus receives fewer nutrients, which may result in lower birth weight.  Several studies have demonstrated an association between maternal stress and low birth weight, and it is felt that low birth weight is a marker for stressful intrauterine conditions.

    Go to Top