[icunurse]

I'm going to start researching, but we were just presented with a situation (baby born) - what do people know about using antidepressants during the first trimester? Thanks!

[Casey677]

I don't know any statistics.... just that Hanna's bmom did (and other drugs as well) and she is perfect!!!

I have all my fingers crossed for you!

[momofmykids]

ICU Nurse...
HOW exciting! My friend who placed almost two years ago took antidepressants through her pregnancy and the baby is fine (she lives across the street and I see her quite often)...*really* spoiled, but perfect!

Keep us posted, ok?

[mommieof2cuties]

I used them with my son...I had post tramtic stress and he is fine and I also don't use them anymore... Usually the problem is for the mother.... Meaning the mom has a high rate of having Post pregnancy depression. I am sure your baby is fine...but depending on what depression she has sometimes you will need to watch for that when your child hits the teenage years!

Hope this was helpful and please keep us update!

God Bless,
Summer

[ginadc]

Here's what I have from our agency's handbook:

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reassures women suffering from depression that taking anti-depressant medications during pregnancy does NOT appear to affect the unborn child. The latest study, considered an important piece of research, seems to calm the fears of many women who suffer from depression and who need these medications.

Some of the newer anti-depressants have shorter "half-lives" -- meaning they are metabolized more quickly and would probably be a better choice than one such as Prozac. Lithium, on the other hand, which is prescribed for manic-depressive illness, has been associated with increased fetal cardiovascular malformations.

Valium is an example of a drug that can have vastly different effects on teh baby, depending on when you take it. According to some studies, if taken early in the pregnancy, valium may increase the risk of cleft lip. If taken chronically, it can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth.



That's the end of what the agency handbook has. I did some searching on PubMed on my own and found a few studies. One meta-analysis (study analyzing a bunch of other studies) concludes: "As a group, the newer antidepressants are not associated with an increased risk of major malformations above the baseline of 1-3% in the population." This appeared in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (think that's the title) in March.

Another review appeared in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, also in March, and had a similar conclusion: "The classes of antidepressants discussed include: tricyclics, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and other antidepressants. After reviewing these studies, it is evident that these drugs appear to be relatively safe to take during pregnancy."


So--in general, it sounds like all would likely be fine! Crossing my fingers for you!

[ALI143]

I took them till I found out I was pregnant. He is perfect! Born healthy, still healthy, but a little sassy!

[icunurse]

Thank you, everyone! Please keep the info (and support) coming in. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but, at the same time, I can't help but think "maybe..." and of what I would need to do to get ready. I swore I wouldn't get frazzled the second time around....

[cynthia900]

Hi,

I second the other posters. The newer antidepressants have lots of data on pregnancy and are not considered a problem.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.>>

[scarlet52698]

I was on them during the first trimester with my twins. I went off them and I got hit with horrible depression. With my daughter I stayed on them through the whole pregnancy (Dr. that delieved twins suggested it) and all 3 kiddos are perfectly helathy.

Good luck to you!

[tobeafamily]

ICU,

Honestly, it depends on the agent. There's really no data on most of the SSRIs - the most commonly prescribed antidepressant class currently - from the PIs. One study on Prozac showed jittery symptoms in newborns and some lower birthweight. Four other studies found no effects. It's not well-studied though.

MAOI's do have some side effects, mostly minor birth defects - slowing of growth and increased excitability.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm...7837E7F&locID=

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm...922D690D9712B5

Tricyclics have a more definitive relationship to birth defects when given in pregnancy. They're also the least commonly prescribed antidepressants.

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/depakote_sp..._capsules.html

HTH

Regina

[cathy102]

Well, I hope you get this baby. Do you think you will go for this situation??? Please let us know what you do..

[icunurse]

Thanks, again, for all the info. From what I've found online and in my handy,dandy med books, the two meds that she took can be taken during an entire pregnancy if needed. The baby appears healthy (has been examined by a doc a few times), gaining weight well, great Apgars, great head circumference. Oh, forgot to mention, it's a girl! DH and I talked about everything and we're calling tomorrow morning to be considered (we're one of 3 couples the pbmom was interested in). So, just have to sit tight and we'll see what happens (easily said, huh?) Just glad mainly to have finally heard something from our agency. Keep the good vibes coming!

[mamacrina]

How exciting the prospect of another child is! Sounds like you received plenty of info, so I am just gonna say I hope things work out for you!! Please let us know what happens!

[timni]

Oh I hope things work out great for you!!!!!!!!

Keep us posted.

[Momoffive1966]

Good luck ICUNurse. Our baby came at 4.75 months, it was a crazy few days.....Keep us posted.