Increased Risk of Preterm Birth in Veterans with PTSD
Largest studies to date demonstrate statistically significant risk of preterm birth among women with active PTSD.
Study Supporting the Reproductive Safety of Gabapentin During Pregnancy
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is now used in a wide variety of clinical settings — for the treatment of epilepsy, pain management, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. However, there is relatively little information regarding [...]
Maternal Anxiety and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Why We Need to Screen Women for Anxiety During Pregnancy
When providing information to patients regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, one key element of the decision-making process is an appraisal of the risks associated with untreated psychiatric illness in the mother. While there [...]
PTSD in Veterans Increases Risk of Preterm Birth
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is relatively common among pregnant and postpartum women. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD for women is about 10%. PTSD is most prevalent among women of childbearing age and PTSD symptoms are common during pregnancy. Earlier this year, we reported on a study which observed that women with a diagnosis of PTSD had an increased risk of preterm birth. The risk was particularly high in those women with diagnoses of both PTSD and a major depressive episode; these women had a 4-fold increased risk of preterm birth.
Yet Another Study Investigating SSRIs and Their Impact on Neonatal Outcomes
In a recent retrospective cohort study, data collected from linked records from the Women's and Children's Health Network in South Australia were used to investigate neonatal outcomes in children exposed prenatally to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Women were included in this study if they gave birth to a singleton, live-born infant between September 2000 and December 2008 (n = 33,965).
SSRIs and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Why You Can’t Just Read the Abstract
Over the past few years, there have been a large number of studies which have relied on large administrative databases to generate information on the reproductive safety of various medications. One of the strengths of this type of approach is that it provides an opportunity to observe outcomes in a large number of subjects; however, there are certain, very important limitations. A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology helps to understand some of the challenges in interpreting the data generated from these studies.
Depression During Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Preterm Birth
Some, but not all, studies have indicated that depression during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth. A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is one of the largest to address this question.
Prepregnancy Depressive Mood is a Risk Factor for Preterm Birth
There have been multiple studies suggesting that depression during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm labor. Most studies do not attribute this increase in risk to antidepressant exposure, but to the effects of the depression itself. The mechanism is believed to be related to increased levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) which is triggered by stress. Elevated levels of CRH have been shown to be a predictor of preterm birth.
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.