Postpartum Progress

Here Comes Number Two

Well, ladies.  Here we go again.  I'm 14 weeks pregnant.  This was a BIG surprise.  My husband and I did not plan on having any more children.  We had a few different reasons, but of course one of them was that I didn't want to go through a postpartum mood disorder again.  It's such a devastating experience and I didn't ever want to feel that way again.

But here we are now, and after getting over the initial shock, I'm starting to get excited.  Since it is very likely I will experience PPOCD again, I've decided to take the bull by the horns.  I'm going to be participating in a study at the Emory Women's Mental Health Center in Atlanta.  I'll be taking an antidepressant during my pregnancy.  I'll be monitored before, during and after by a psychiatrist who is an expert in the treatment of postpartum mood disorders.  And I'll be studied via blood tests and other tests to learn the impact of psychiatric medication on my body and hormones as well as on my baby.  The study is quite involved, but I figured I'd better put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, considering what an important subject this is to me.   So I wanted to let you know.  I'll keep you posted.  I will say that so far, other than terrible morning sickness, I feel fine and much more relaxed this pregnancy. 

Tag: postpartum depression

Paxil Linked to Birth Defects

This appeared in USA Today today:

The Food and Drug Administration is warning that a study has suggested that the antidepressant Paxil might be associated with birth defects. Paxil's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, said it would include the results of the study in the drug's list of of precautions.  A retrospective study found increased numbers of babies born with birth defects to women who were taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy when compared with women on other antidepressants, according to the FDA and the company.  This included an increase in heart defects, according to a letter from GlaxoSmithKline to health care professionals. 

This is important information, but of course I don't want to freak out those women who may be on this medication and pregnant.  If you are, just call your OB and discuss your options.  Note, it doesn't say this definitely causes birth defects, but is associated with a higher risk.

Tags: postpartum depression Paxil medication