Pediatr. praxi. 2012;13(3):188-192

Depression and maternal antidepressant therapy from the perspective of neonatologist

MUDr.Alice Mocková, MUDr.Veronika Nováková, MUDr.Zuzana Lucková, doc.MUDr.Jiří Dort, Ph.D.

Neonatologické oddělení FN Plzeň

Depression and the use of antidepressants during pregnancy may have a negative influence on fetal development as well as adaptation

during the neonatal period. The aim of our study was to elicit the effect of antidepressant use during pregnancy on postnatal adaptation

and the incidence of congenital abnormalities. In a cohort of forty two antidepressant using mothers, a higher incidence of prematurity

and hyperbilirubinemia was found. Furthermore children had smaller head circumferences (p < 0.05), and discontinuation syndrome was

diagnosed in 26 % (2 children had seizures), only 52 % were fully breast-fed. 12 % of children had a non-serious congenital abnormality. Further

studies are needed to ascertain the long-term developmental and cognitive effects of in utero exposure to antidepressant agents.

Keywords: pregnancy, depression, neonate, discontinual syndrom

Published: June 18, 2012  Show citation