Trusted Information for Healthy Pregnancies
pregnancy
Autism Spectrum Disorders and SSRIs
Jul 18th
It is now estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of the population. Data derived from twin and sibling studies indicate that ASD is highly heritable. While genetic factors clearly play an important role, other studies point to an interplay between environmental and genetic factors in the etiology of this disorder. [...]
What is the Impact of Depression During Pregnancy?
Jul 12th
In a recent study by Gerardin and colleagues, the authors note that more research has been done to demonstrate the consequences of postpartum depression than depression during pregnancy (also called antenatal or prenatal depression). Infants born to mothers with depression during pregnancy have been demonstrated to have lower scores on motor behavior and more crying [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 2): What Can Basic Science Tell Us?
Jul 5th
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and has been implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin transporters (SERT) facilitate the transfer of serotonin into neurons; serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants bind to these transporters and appear to exert their effect on mood by inhibiting the reuptake of [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective
Jul 1st
We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving. [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective
Jun 30th
We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving. [...]
Generalized Anxiety in Pregnancy
Jun 21st
Few studies have focused on anxiety disorders in the perinatal period. While various studies have measured levels of anxiety or distress during pregnancy, most studies have relied upon self-report questionnaires to assess for anxiety. In contrast, few studies have used standardized diagnostic criteria to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders in pregnant populations. In a [...]
Clinical Case: Should SSRIs Be Tapered Prior To Delivery?
Jun 13th
Ms. T is a 33 year old woman with a history of recurrent depression who is 32 weeks pregnant with her first pregnancy. She has remained on her citalopram (Celexa) throughout pregnancy and has been well. Her gynecologist has encouraged her to enquire about coming off the Celexa prior to delivery in order to avoid [...]
In Utero Exposure to Antipsychotics
May 17th
May 2011, ObGyn News, Lee S. Cohen, MD Reprinted with permission from Ob. Gyn. News Copyright by International Medical News Group, an Elsevier company Previous columns on the reproductive safety of psychiatric medications have focused on the attendant risks of fetal exposure to antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and mood stabilizers such as lithium and sodium valproate. [...]
Anxiety During Pregnancy: How Does it Affect the Developing Fetal Brain?
Apr 11th
During fetal life, neurons proliferate, migrate and form connections, providing the structure of the developing brain. Neurons reach their final destinations by the 16th week of gestation, while branching and making appropriate connections occur even before that time (1). The brain continues to develop during the entire pregnancy, with most of the synapse formation in [...]
New FDA Warning on the Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy
Mar 9th
On February 22, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed healthcare professionals that drug labels for the entire class of antipsychotic drugs have been updated to include warnings regarding the use of antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy. The new drug labels now contain more details on the potential risk for abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal [...]