For most women, pregnancy is portrayed as a time of great joy and one of the happiest moments of their lives. But according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or ACOG, between 14-23% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy.  Depression during pregnancy or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder that has similar symptoms and management as the clinical depression. Support groups, psychotherapy and antidepressants like Paxil are used to address antepartum depression. But the safety and long-term effects of antidepressant intake during pregnancy has been the subject of a number of debates. If antidepressants such as Paxil harm the baby and the mother, complaints against the manufacturer may be filed without having the mother disclose medical records.

Most women see the symptoms of antepartum depression as temporary moodiness that often accompanies pregnancy, leaving depression undiagnosed. Depressed woman feels sad or “blue” for 2 weeks or more. Symptoms like lack of interest, trouble sleeping, loss of energy, weight loss or gain not related to pregnancy, restlessness, thoughts or ideas about suicide may also be present.

After diagnosing depression, it is important that it is treated. When untreated, depression can have potential dangerous risks to the mother and the baby as well. It can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking and suicidal behavior, which can then cause premature birth, low birth weight and developmental problems. Treatment options for depressed women include support groups, private psychotherapy, and medication. Talk therapies like the support groups and private psychotherapy, involves talking to a therapist, psychologist or social worker to learn how to divert thoughts, feelings and acts of depression.

Patient may be given antidepressants if talk therapy alone will not gain positive results. There are various antidepressants available in the market, one of which is Paxil or paroxetine. There are researches that show a possible link between antidepressants and birth defects such as pulmonary hypertension, heart problems and physical malformations. The US Food and Drug Administration recently announced that early research studies on Paxil suggest that drug intake during the 1st trimester of pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk of having a baby with birth defects, heart defects in particular. Health advisories were also released by the FDA warning pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant on the use of Paxil.

Depression is a possibility for all pregnant women and it may happen anytime within pregnancy. However, options are available to properly address the condition. It is important to talk to an obstetrician and mental health care provider in order to determine the appropriate action to take that will benefit both the mother and the baby.  Discussion will also include side effects of antidepressants, like that of Paxil birth defects.