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Pills or no pills? Study weighs antidepressant risk in pregnancy
Researchers found antidepressant exposure during pregnancy may raise some baby risks, while untreated depression also carries harms, the study said.
- A University of Glasgow study published in PLOS Medicine suggests children of mothers with depression face higher risks of neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers tracked more than 167,000 children born in Wales between 2009 and 2016.
- Study leader Saraid McIlvride noted that while antidepressant use is increasing, long-term effects on child development remain unclear. Untreated depression during pregnancy carries distinct risks, making informed medication decisions challenging.
- Data showed 24 in every 100 children of mothers with untreated depression had special educational needs, increasing by three in every 100 if mothers took antidepressants. This compared to 20 in every 100 unexposed children.
- Researchers emphasize that women should not automatically stop taking antidepressants because untreated depression can harm both mother and baby. Antidepressant exposure could serve as a marker for children needing additional school support.
- McIlvride added that linking mothers' and babies' routinely collected data is an amazing resource for research into maternal mental health. Further studies are needed to empower women to make informed decisions with their doctor or midwife.
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Total News Sources25
Leaning Left2Leaning Right6Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
C 67%
R 25%
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