Treatment of depression during pregnancy is one thing that should be discussed with the medical professional caring for the pregnancy, and the potential risks must be weighed on an individual basis, against the benefits of taking the antidepressant. Unfortunately, too many doctors are prescribing antidepressants rather than suggesting other forms of non-drug based therapies.
The simple answer to the question of how to reduce the risks associated with antidepressants while pregnant is not to take them while pregnant. There are other ways of dealing with stress and depression that pose no risk to the baby. Moderate exercise, prenatal yoga, prenatal massage and a healthy diet can all go a long way to reducing depression. Psychotherapy or other forms of talk therapy can also be of significant benefit.
Depression during and after pregnancy is a very real condition, and it is good that women are becoming more educated about postpartum depression. Reliance, however, on antidepressants as the first line of defense against depression must be mediated by other forms of non-drug therapy if women are to lower their risks of miscarriage or birth defects.
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Park, A. (2010, June 01). Study links antidepressant use and miscarriage. Time Online, Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1992988,00.html
Barrett, M. (2010, September 01). antidepressants drastically increase the risk for miscarriages . Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/029622_antidepressants_miscarriages.html