Antidepressants put pregnancy at risk
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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For a long time, heated discussions continue about the safety of taking antidepressants by pregnant women. And a new study of Israeli scientists, most likely, will not let these conversations subside.
Experts from the Israeli medical center Beth found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - antidepressants, which are prescribed as first-line drugs, should be given to pregnant women with great care. Experts argue that their reception is associated with premature birth, miscarriage, autism and developmental delay in newborns.
"We are very worried. We are witnessing a real large-scale experiment conducted on people. Never in the whole history we have chemically altered the embryonic development of the fetus on such a huge scale, "experts say.
Scientists distinguish three main points from their scientific review: "First, it is clear that the use of these antidepressants by pregnant women leads to a worsening of the outcome of pregnancy. Secondly, there is no evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors improve the condition of mother and baby. And thirdly, we are firmly convinced that this information should be owned and realized by the possible negative consequences of the physician who prescribes the drugs, "says the lead author of the study, Dr. Adam URATO.
Over the past 20 years, the use of antidepressants has increased by 400 percent. Currently, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs among people aged 18 to 44 years.
Women who have problems with the ability to have children and are treated for infertility are especially vulnerable and vulnerable to depression.
"According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one percent of children born in the US every year are born with IVF," the authors write. "And most women report symptoms of depression during infertility treatment, especially after unsuccessful cycles of therapy."
Read also: The procedure of IVF provokes problems in sex
Experts found that eleven percent of women taking antidepressants during infertility treatment not only did not improve their status, but, on the contrary, the risk of possible violations only increased.
There is little evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are useful, but information on their possible danger is sufficient.
" Premature birth is perhaps the most common complication," the authors say. "More than 30 studies indicate that pregnant women taking antidepressants are most at risk."
Complications associated with the use of these drugs can be observed not only in newborns, but also in older age. Infants who have undergone the action of antidepressants in the womb, often suffer from behavioral syndrome: babies are often capricious, nervous, and also there are problems with the feeding of the child. Also, studies have shown that there is a delay in motor development in infants and toddlers.
"There are some cases when a pregnant woman needs antidepressant medication, but for women with mild to moderate depression there are very effective alternatives to these drugs," the scientists summarize.
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