X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Antidepressant use while pregnant may affect baby's brain development

4 Jul, 2016

When you’re pregnant, everything that goes in and on your body must be examined closely before use, preferably with the go-signal of your doctor—medications in particular.

In a recent study, researchers found that use of antidepressants during pregnancy affects newborn’s brain activity, this on top of the fetal and developmental complications antidepressants can also cause.

Because of drugs’ possible effects to the fetal brain function, researchers believe that preventive medication should be critically evaluated. The first-line treatment for depression and anxiety should also be non-pharmacological interventions.

"We found many changes in the brain activity of SRI-exposed newborns," said Sampsa Vanhatalo of the Helsinki University Children's Hospital. "Since the changes did not correlate with the mother's psychiatric symptoms, we have assumed that they resulted as a side effect of maternal drug treatment."

The study’s behavioral and neurological assessments of the newborns showed minor effects from fetal SRI exposure. But there were also differences in brain electrical activity between focus groups.

“The most important relate to less-organized communication between brain hemispheres, as well as weaker synchronization between cortical rhythms,” said a Deccan Chronicle report. “These findings did not correlate with the scores on maternal depression or anxiety.”

Sampsa Vanhatalo added: "We hope that our study will facilitate the current international discussion and search for effective alternatives in the treatment of depression and anxiety during pregnancy.”

Next page, find out the common symptoms of depression

Are you depressed?

Depression is not a serious medical condition, not something that simply passes or goes away on its own. It’s more than having the blues or being sad.

People who suffer from depression are unable to live their daily lives like an average person. In severe cases, their depression cripples them so much that they finally decide to take their own lives. That is why in such cases the help of a medical professional is needed.

Partner Stories
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!
Gut Health and Probiotic Survival Rate
Gut Health and Probiotic Survival Rate
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas

According to Help Guide, the common symptoms of depression include:

  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
  • Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
  • Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
  • Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.
  • Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

READ: 8 Things people suffering from depression are tired of hearing

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below or check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful parenting news and tips . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Lifestyle Section
  • /
  • Antidepressant use while pregnant may affect baby's brain development
Share:
  • Paris Hilton is now a mom to a baby boy via surrogacy

    Paris Hilton is now a mom to a baby boy via surrogacy

  • Ipon Challenge: Kaya mo ring gawing Php68,900 ang Php50 mo!

    Ipon Challenge: Kaya mo ring gawing Php68,900 ang Php50 mo!

  • How to lose weight in a week: 14 steps to lose weight fast

    How to lose weight in a week: 14 steps to lose weight fast

  • Paris Hilton is now a mom to a baby boy via surrogacy

    Paris Hilton is now a mom to a baby boy via surrogacy

  • Ipon Challenge: Kaya mo ring gawing Php68,900 ang Php50 mo!

    Ipon Challenge: Kaya mo ring gawing Php68,900 ang Php50 mo!

  • How to lose weight in a week: 14 steps to lose weight fast

    How to lose weight in a week: 14 steps to lose weight fast

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.