Depression during pregnancy: diagnosis and treatment options

Women often seek clinical consultation for antidepressant use both prior to conception and during pregnancy. Some women experience a new onset of symptoms during pregnancy, while those with a history of depressive symptoms are at increased risk. Nevertheless, clinicians are faced with the challenge of treating the mother without posing risks to the fetus. This review discusses risk factors for depression during pregnancy and the consequences of untreated depression. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options are reviewed, and guidelines for treating depression during pregnancy are presented.