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Depression During Pregnancy - A Real Concern for Pregnant Women

There is no question that depression during pregnancy is a difficult situation. However, it is also true that it is not uncommon. There are more women than men who suffer from this problem. Pregnancy can be a very confusing time for many. It is important that you seek the advice of a qualified medical professional if you have any concerns or questions about depression during pregnancy.

depression during pregnancy

Treatment methods for depression during pregnancy can include: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or Prozac type drugs. SSRIs are divided into two main categories: monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOI's and tricyclic antidepressants or TCA's. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are considered the best medication for treating mild to moderate depression while TCAs are more effective for severe cases. Your doctor will likely discuss which drugs will be most effective and what side effects or concerns they may experience with each drug. SSRIs can cause your baby to become irritable or anxious.

You may feel sadness and anxiety during your pregnancy. Your doctor will work with you and your medical team to find the best depression medicine during your pregnancy and during the early weeks after your baby comes into the world. SSRIs are generally safe to take and they help reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety.

As your baby grows and begins to interact with you and other people, there will be times when you may feel sad or depressed. These feelings generally occur less frequently and only when you are alone or are facing a difficult challenge or problem. Your baby will adjust to your moodiness and behavior quite well and most mothers notice that their baby will respond to their crying when they are upset or depressed. If you decide that medication is necessary during your pregnancy, you may want to discuss it with your medical team. There are some women who do not wish to take any hormonal medications during their pregnancy.

Some women choose to try SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs work to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. Commonly used antidepressants include Prozac (Sertraline), Zoloft (Zoloft) and Paxil (Paroxetine). If you decide to use SSRIs during your pregnancy, your baby will be exposed to some of the same risks as if you were taking an antidepressant. SSRIs can have severe side effects including fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and mania.

TCA's, or tricyclic antidepressants, are another type of medication that you may be offered if you are pregnant. TCA's are commonly used for people with mood disorders or those who have trouble controlling their anger. However, women who are pregnant should avoid taking this medication. This is because a pregnant woman needs to be careful with medication that has been approved only for adults. There have been reports of severe birth defects if the drugs are not properly monitored by the doctor.

If you find that you are suffering from depression while pregnant, you may be wondering what other options you have. If you feel like there is nothing else for you to do you have a few choices. First of all, your doctor may prescribe medication for you if he feels that you need it. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychotherapist, a counselor, or another form of therapy that will help alleviate the symptoms of your depression. Many people feel much better when they take control of their depression during pregnancy.

If your doctor does not feel that depression is appropriate for you and your child, he will most likely recommend that you take an antidepressant that is similar to the one he wrote you for adult use. Such antidepressants include Prozac (which was previously called Sivapran), Zoloft (Zoloft, Prozac, Luvox), Paxil (Paxil), and Celexa (Celexa). However, these medications are only given in very limited circumstances, and there are many people who become addicted to them. For this reason, antepartum depression during pregnancy is usually the best choice because it is the safest treatment available for this condition.

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