August 20, 2012

Went to Nova Scotia  for my mom's wedding and I had two baby showers! It was a very good trip. I forgot my medications and as a result had to get some from my small town. First time in my hometown getting depression medications. As life would have it  the pharmacist knew who I was. It was harder getting it from someone who knew me and my family but she was really nice. My cousin is also a pharmacist and she was really glad that I was taking medication for my depression even though I am pregnant. She said that more problems arise when women stop taking them than those who do. My gynecologist said the same thing. She mentioned that the safer the mother is, the better the child. Now, she also mentioned that often the baby has withdrawal for a week or two after the birth, depending on the dose that I would be on. She said that makes the baby a bit shaky at first, but there has been no long term damage to date.  Now, to my knowledge and research there are no malformations involved with women who take antidepressants during pregnancy. There is an increase in early births and an impact on APGR scores (which means the responsive tests they do to see if the baby needs to go into intensive care or not) but nothing impacting mortality rates. In fact, most studies concluded that taking medication was better for both the mothers and babies as the mothers mental health seriously impacted the quality of life if the baby. Although many studies of doctors and pharmacists opinions on this matter show a varied approach, I see taking drugs as a way to ensure that I am in the best possible mood and mental state to deliver a child and to take its health seriously. I know that often when I was depressed I would not eat, or eat too much and taking care of my body was not a priority. Being on medications keeps me clear headed and focused on taking care of myself to take care of my baby. I think that is the best thing I can do for this baby and I hope that some day they will agree with me.