Since you started taking antidepressants, you’ve noticed an improvement in your mood. You’re happy with your progress so far. But maybe you’re starting to question the safety of taking antidepressant usage since you’re about to start trying to conceive. Or perhaps you’ve recently found out that you’re pregnant. Now, you’re wondering if you should continue taking your antidepressants.
You don’t want to simply quit them without getting a professional opinion from your doctor. Yet at the same time, you can’t help but worry every time you take another dose of your medication. Here are a few things to consider before making a decision about taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Factors to Weigh
Ultimately, whether or not it’s safe for you to continue taking antidepressants during pregnancy will depend on a number of factors. Naturally, your specific medication regimen matters. Thankfully, many commonly prescribed antidepressants are considered safe for pregnant women, including SSRIs.
However, your doctor’s recommendations might also depend on your health and your baby’s health. At the end of the day, this is a deeply personal decision, and you’ll need to consider your unique situation before making a choice.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby’s Health?
When it comes to taking antidepressants during pregnancy, many women are primarily concerned about the potential effects on their baby’s health. However, the chance that taking antidepressants will affect your baby is very minimal.
Current research on antidepressant usage during pregnancy indicates that this is generally a safe course of action. Taking antidepressants does not seem to have any meaningful effect on fetal health. Of course, it can be worthwhile to talk to your doctor about any research regarding your specific medication if you have further questions.
Risks of Stopping Antidepressants During Pregnancy
While it’s natural to feel concerned about your baby’s health, don’t dismiss the importance of your own mental health during this time. Choosing to taper off of antidepressants, especially if you’ve noticed consistent improvements in your symptoms since you began taking them, can bring its own risks.
For instance, quitting antidepressants could raise your risk of developing postpartum depression after your baby is born. If depression saps your energy, you might end up feeling even more fatigued during your pregnancy, making it hard to run errands, work, or even make it to doctor’s appointments.
Adjusting Medication
What if you would like to continue taking your medication, but you’re worried about your current dosage? You can talk to your doctor about tweaking your dosage. They may be able to lower your dosage to a dose that will still be effective. In some cases, your doctor also might recommend switching to another medication. Changing medications isn’t necessarily an easy fix, but depending on your circumstances, it could be the best choice for you. If you notice any frustrating symptoms as you change your medication regimen, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Additional Support Through Counseling
For many people, therapy and medication go hand in hand. Perhaps you stopped going to therapy on a regular basis after you started medication because you finally found relief from your symptoms. No matter your choices regarding taking antidepressants while pregnant, it’s a good idea to check in with a therapist more often when you’re expecting.
This is especially important if you have decided to stop taking antidepressants while pregnant. While therapy doesn’t necessarily have the same effects as medication for everyone, it can be a valuable part of your mental health toolbox during pregnancy.
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Are you seeking mental health support during your pregnancy? A therapist can give you guidance. Reach out to us with your questions about women’s therapy.