The US FDA released a warning regarding one of the most famous antidepressants used by consumers as it might cause birth defects. Zoloft (sertraline) has been connected to a number of birth defects especially when taken by the third trimester of pregnancy. Zoloft itself indicated in its website that women who are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant should consult their doctor before taking the antidepressant. A study that was made in 2007 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that there was an increased risk of omphalocele in babies born to mother taking Zoloft. Doctors are also being advised to exercise caution when prescribing the medication to pregnant women but some patients are reluctant in talking about depression to doctors which is why some are not treated properly.
Pregnant Woman With Depression
When a woman becomes pregnant, a lot of changes happen to her. This is the time where she must be very careful with the type of food she eats, her medications and the activities she performs. A lot of things should be considered because it will not only affect her health but more so her baby’s. There are plenty of factors to be considered because she is not only after her health but her baby’s as well. The aim is to make her pregnancy as healthy as possible. However, for those diagnosed with major depression before or during pregnancy, the pregnancy is put to risk. Depression in itself is harmful for the baby but the treatment for it will yield more harm. Depression is primarily managed with antidepressants but studies have shown its association with birth defects. Other treatment modalities such as psychotherapy and hypnosis can be alternatives to these medications but other physicians would insist that it would be better if these treatments will serve as adjunct therapy to the medications. Also, for those women diagnosed prior to pregnancy, the medications cannot be stopped abruptly as it may cause them more serious side effects.
Pregnant Women and Use of Zoloft
Zoloft is an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI drug class. A Pregnancy Category C was given to Zoloft by the FDA and was reported to be the safest antidepressant among its drug class. However, with all the talks on Zoloft birth defects, doctors are now more cautious in prescribing the said medication.
