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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Managing depression during pregnancy

Marlene P Freeman1

  • 1Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|August 6, 2009
PubMed

During the reproductive years, depression is common in women, and many face treatment decisions during pregnancy. Possible risks of untreated maternal depression include increased risk of relapse and postpartum depression, all the serious risks associated with the untreated disorder in nonpregnant women, and obstetrical complications. Data on teratogenic risks of antidepressant use are inconsistent, but these risks should be taken into consideration. Overall, treatment should be individually tailored, and nonpharmacologic options may be appropriate.

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