Anti-depressants and getting pregnant

[Anonymous]

I started taking anti-depressants after the birth of DD #1 due to PPD. I had never been on them before, but I was seriously depressed and anxious after the birth, and I've appreciated having them since then.

My DD is almost a year, and I'm starting to think about the fact that we'd like to have another child someday. I'm not in a big hurry but also don't want to wait too long because of my age.

I've heard that antidepressants during pregnancy are a risk for autism and other problems. Does anyone have any information about this? Has anyone gone through this?

I'd like to stop taking the antidepressants prior to getting pregnant, but I'm not sure how far ahead I should do that and how good that would be for my health. Moreover, I'm terrified that I will end up with PPD again right after the birth and need to go back on them. Any advice? How do others handle this?

[Anonymous]

I've been on antidepressants since early adulthood. When I got pregnant, my doctor recommended staying on them as there are negative outcomes from being depressed during pregnancy. I was on Wellbutrin and Trazadone which are less risky for pregnancy than certain SSRIs. I lowered my dose to the lowest possible maintenance dose during pregnancy. After the birth of my daughter, I asked my OB whether I should stop the antidepressants for breast feeding. He said that she would already have been exposed during the pregnancy so it did not matter at that point. My daughter is now a very healthy, active 5 year old and I don't think there were any negative effects.

I'm not saying that there aren't risks - I was just giving my story.

[Anonymous]

Autism is unrelated. I've been on Paxil, then Celexa. Stayed on Celexa through pregnancy and birth of first child. Slightly higher risk of heart issues at birth - like .02% becomes .04% depression or anxiety in a pregnant mom is much more risky! All the best to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Autism is unrelated. I've been on Paxil, then Celexa. Stayed on Celexa through pregnancy and birth of first child. Slightly higher risk of heart issues at birth - like .02% becomes .04% depression or anxiety in a pregnant mom is much more risky! All the best to you.

Sorry, to clarify - my baby is totally healthy!! Now an active and giggly toddler.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that certain anti-depressants are more risky to the fetus than others, but a mom with anxiety or depression can also be risky in some ways. Personally, I weaned off of my anti depressant (I was on Paxil which is considered a high risk drug) when we started TTC. I was off of it completely by the time I got pregnant. I struggled with anxiety and depression during the first trimester, but after seeing a psychiatrist who specialized in pregnant women, we decided that, for me, I could manage without the medication and use other methods. My SIL had to remain on her antidepressant, although a lower dose, as her anxiety was more of a risk for her than the medication. (I know anxiety and depression are different, but a lot of the medications overlap)

Talk to your doctor and decide what you want to do. You can always go off and see how you feel, and re-start if you feel you are slipping too far back. I was surprised at how well I did off of medication, but it is all very individual. FWIW my SIL and I both have healthy babies and had no complications. If you decide to stay medicated, work with your doc because some are better during pregnancy than others.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I remained on my antidepressant (Cymbalta) and actually had to double my dose halfway through my pregnancy because my depression got much worse.

DC is now 4 and ahead developmentally with 0 issues.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the encouragement. You've all helped me see that it's not such a big deal. I can deal with it when the time comes and talk with my OB and psychiatrist about what's right for me.

I'm on Zoloft now (was BFing for a few months while on it), and it was partly for PPD but also for anxiety post-birth. I always managed my anxiety without medication prior to this, so I do think it would be possible to go without during pregnancy but suspect I may likely need it postpartum again.

You are all right that depression and anxiety that are out of control are not good for the mom or kid!

I've been feeling a little sad that I'm on the meds, even though they make me feel good, because I felt like it meant I couldn't get pregnant again in the future, so thanks for the encouraging words.

[Anonymous]

Talk to your doctor -- based on the current evidence, there is no one right answer, only a right answer for you after you weigh risks and benefits with your doctor.

[Anonymous]

It's a very personal choice that you can only make with your doctor. The anecdotal "My toddler/baby is healthy and happy!" is irrelevant. I'm certain if you asked your own parents you were not anxious or depressed babies and the real impact of the medications will not show until much later in life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a very personal choice that you can only make with your doctor. The anecdotal "My toddler/baby is healthy and happy!" is irrelevant. I'm certain if you asked your own parents you were not anxious or depressed babies and the real impact of the medications will not show until much later in life.

Untrue. The risks are largely of heart and breathing issues AT BIRTH. There is no evidence of emotional issues, which I assume is what you're referring to. OP, please ignore this uninformed poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a very personal choice that you can only make with your doctor. The anecdotal "My toddler/baby is healthy and happy!" is irrelevant. I'm certain if you asked your own parents you were not anxious or depressed babies and the real impact of the medications will not show until much later in life.

Untrue. The risks are largely of heart and breathing issues AT BIRTH. There is no evidence of emotional issues, which I assume is what you're referring to. OP, please ignore this uninformed poster.

So messing with your child's chemical make up as its most fundamental (during development) is without repercussions? Who's fooling who here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a very personal choice that you can only make with your doctor. The anecdotal "My toddler/baby is healthy and happy!" is irrelevant. I'm certain if you asked your own parents you were not anxious or depressed babies and the real impact of the medications will not show until much later in life.

Untrue. The risks are largely of heart and breathing issues AT BIRTH. There is no evidence of emotional issues, which I assume is what you're referring to. OP, please ignore this uninformed poster.

So messing with your child's chemical make up as its most fundamental (during development) is without repercussions? Who's fooling who here?

Just stop. Do you know anything about the effects of untreated depression/anxiety on a fetus? Stop using scare tactics on a woman already struggling.

[Anonymous]

Sorry that you do not like what is being discussed PP, but some people like all the information the good and the bad to make an informed decision. Especially one that will impact the rest of not only their life, but their children's. Placate yourself how ever you want, but let others make informed decisions. It is a limited time frame we're talking here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry that you do not like what is being discussed PP, but some people like all the information the good and the bad to make an informed decision. Especially one that will impact the rest of not only their life, but their children's. Placate yourself how ever you want, but let others make informed decisions. It is a limited time frame we're talking here.

I'd hardly call listening to the ravings of an anonymous ignorant shit-stirrer on the internet an "informed decision." Hopefully OP will defer to medical professionals, and perhaps be encouraged by the advice of people who have actually been in her position and gotten through with the guidance of medical professionals. PP, since you fall into neither of those categories, I'd say it's safe to totally ignore you.

[Anonymous]

Agree with pp. OP, there is one crazy anti-meds poster on here, and there are many more with informed opinions on the other side.