Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy may Increase Risk of Lung Problems in Infants

A recent study shows that women taking antidepressants during pregnancy may face problems during the later stages of pregnancy that could result in their child having lung problems.

A study released by a Toronto doctor showed that babies whose mothers took antidepressants around the 20^th week of pregnancy could encounter a complication known as persistent pulmonary hypertension. This problem is commonly caused by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Zoloft or Prozac.

Children with this problem may suffer from resistant lungs post-birth, creating an inability for this organ to normally expand and create a breathlessness in the baby.

Fortunately, the number of children born with the issue isn't large-the study found that around 3.5 of every newborns are affected, according to Dr. Sophie Grigoriadis.

"Women taking these medications in pregnancy should not panic. The risk is still quite low," Grigoriadis said, via Philly.com. She works at the Women's Mood and Anxiety Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences in Toronto. "It should be one of the factors you consider when you decide to use medications, but it has to be balanced with the potential problems that can occur if you don't treat depression."

As pregnant women in particular may be especially prone to depression, she notes that it's particularly important for certain individuals to decide the best medical options throughout their pregnancy.

"Decisions on treatment need to be personalized," she said, via Philly.com. "Women need to make informed decisions by taking in all the risks of depression and its treatments. Psychosocial treatments are appropriate for some women, depending on how severe the depression is, and how quickly (they) might respond to treatment."

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