WARNING: Increased Miscarriage Risk with Antidepressant Use

In the U.S alone, one out of four pregnancies result in a miscarriage; approximately 1 million a year. Three out the four miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. With so many women yearning to keep their babies to term, the March of Dimes makes it their main goal to erase this tragedy if at all possible.

New studies have confirmed that antidepressants are to blame for some miscarriages. Up to 3.7% of women use antidepressants in their pregnancies. Women are encouraged by their physicians to continue to use them due to the increased harm to mother and child without taking antidepressants. Hormonal fluctuations make even the most calm, stable-minded pregnant woman emotional; factor in depression, a serious medical condition, and a toxic mix is created.

SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are the worst culprit for creating these miscarriages (Like Paxil and Effexor). It was discovered in one study that antidepressant use by a pregnant woman caused a 68% increase in the likelihood of miscarriage.

When it comes to birth defects, there was no association with that and using antidepressants in pregnancy. However, when it came to the use of Paxil during pregnancy, there was a link. Babies were four times more likely to be born with a heart defect if their mothers used Paxil during the pregnancy.

Studies show that 80% of Americans prefer to take a pill for depression. Additionally, Americans prefer older antidepressants like Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft (common SSRIs) than newer, more expensive medications like Cymbalta and Effexor (common SNRIs). It was cited in this study that there were less side effects from the SSRIs.

This is interesting when correlating these results from the studies on antidepressants and miscarriages. It means that when women plan on conceiving, or find out that they are pregnant, they may be switched to a more expensive antidepressant with more side effects like Cymbalta. However, if they wish to have a pregnancy with little or no complications, these options of antidepressants should be considered.

Women have a 50% increased risk of having depression during their pregnancy if they quit taking their antidepressants. Depressed pregnant women are less likely to eat, with decreased appetite as one of the most common problems in depressed individuals. They are less likely to care for themselves properly and engage in dangerous lifestyle behaviors that could put the unborn child at risk. The stigma of taking antidepressants while pregnant encourages 77% of women studied to discontinue their antidepressant regimen. This creates the high likelihood of women, especially with Bipolar disorder, to have mood episodes. These mood episodes pose a much greater threat to the unborn baby than the medication itself.

It is estimated that one in seven pregnant women will be diagnosed with pregnancy-onset depression. More than half of these women have depression reoccurring after the baby was born. The demographics of depressed pregnant women are:

* White (79%)

* Between 20 and 34 years of age (73%)

* Have at least 13 years of education or some college education (53%)

* Are married (76%)

(See Table for More on Pregnant Women and Depression)

These studies, in conclusion, tell us that the common myths and stereotypes about depression and pregnancy, and antidepressant use in pregnancy simply aren't true. Many antidepressants are perfectly safe to take while pregnant. The expectant mother just needs to discuss her options with her doctor before planning to getting pregnant, or as soon as she discovers she is pregnant. Additionally, though many factors contribute to being depressed, the studies aforementioned clearly indicate that well-educated, married, young women can fall victim to this serious disease too. It is important to discuss with their doctor what viable options a woman may consider to help her with her depression. The March of Dimes has plentiful resources to help depressed pregnant women out.