Common Antidepressants Too Risky During Pregnancy, Researchers Say

But another expert disagrees, saying all options must be open to women faced with this situation

October 31, 2012 RSS Feed Print

According to Domar, cognitive behavioral therapy, in which patients learn how to direct their thinking and behavior to more constructive ends, probably has the most evidence behind it.

Exercise also has demonstrated efficacy, and yoga may have some benefit, she added.

"What I don't want to do is scare the heck out of women who are pregnant and have severe depression," Domar said. "I'm not suggesting that someone who is suicidal stop taking antidepressants cold turkey. You have to look at the individual risk-benefit ratio. In that case [suicidality], the risk of harm to her and her baby is far higher than the risk posed by an SSRI. For those with mild or moderate depression, the ratio shifts the other direction," she noted.

And, Urato added, "We're not saying women should not take SSRIs. The goal is to give them information so they can make the right decision for them."

More information

There's more about dealing with depression during a pregnancy at WomensHealth.gov.