Meds And Pregnancy: Is What You're Taking Harming Your Baby

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By mia bolaris-forget

It seems like each generation, even in all its progressive splendor, has more perks and more stress than the generation before. And, now with a world, not just a City that never sleeps, it seems that even the most peaceful of people are plagued by anxiety, depression, and lots of other stress-related issues. And, with little time for unwinding, rest or relaxation the answer to our angst and apprehensions is popping a pill.

But, what happens when you manage, despite a high stress life style to relax enough to get pregnant? Well, the answer is multifaceted, at least according to experts. In fact, there are a variety of beliefs based on a variety of circumstances.

It seems that studies suggest that frequent and regular use of mood-stabilizers, such as anti-depressants can be linked to a hightened risk of babies born with abnormalities, including abnormalities of the heart, linked to those who took Prozac, Paxil or who smoked while taking these medications.

In addition Paxil was linked to infants that had significant gut and brain abnormalities, though apparently very rare, making the drug one of those that should be avoided during your nine months of pregnancy.

Expectant moms should also avoid monoamine oxidase inhibitors found in one particular class of antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

On the other hand, and herein lies the rub, other studies suggest that pregnant women who experience extreme depression of high anxiety during pregnancy may give birth to babies with similar issues and abnormalities. Why? Because the excessive stress hormones in mom’s body change and disrupt the immune system.

Note that a fetus receiving a constant message that exists in a hazardous environment is dangerous and in animals can alter how the offspring functions its entire lifetime. In fact, it can lead to changed genes that affect and get passed from generation to generation, impacting newborns for many generations to come.

While it has not been proven for human, if the same rule “does’ apply, a mom’s mood may be physiologically passed on to her child and to his or her child and so on and so forth. And, if that mood is generally anxious and negative, that simply isn’t goo.

With that said, experts seem to agree that taking antidepressants for severe and extreme symptoms is better than debilitating depression and anxiety. However, if there are other helpful and viable options, pregnancy is a GREAT time to look into them and implement them. In fact, women should look into alternatives before they conceive. And, they should make sure they get plenty of sleep, avoid stressful situations, eat a healthy diet, and exercise to minimize the effects of their anxiety and depression.

Note that many medications, especially those used to treat bipolar disorder (manic/depression) can result in serious birth defects. So, those on lithium or other such mood stabilizers who are pregnant or trying to conceive should take serious steps in discussing your condition and other alternatives with your doctor and/or psychiatrist.

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