As readers in Alabama may have read in our Feb. 3 blog post, there is a connection between women taking a certain class of antidepressant medications and birth defects in their children. The medication class, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, includes popular products such as Paxil and Zoloft. As we discussed on Feb. 3, a recent study found that taking Paxil during pregnancy roughly doubles the fetus' chance of being born with a serious and potentially fatal lung problem.

Besides the lung defect, which is called pulmonary hypertension, there are other birth defects associated with SSRI use during pregnancy. Among them are developmental delays, low birth weight and irritability. Infants also tend to be born with symptoms similar to addicts being taken off of drugs: tremors, anxiety, breathing problems and difficulty feeding.

But medical experts say that depression in the mother can lead to health problems in infants as well. Babies born while their mother is suffering from depression are at risk of having elevated cortisol levels and lower serotonin levels, making them more anxious. Other potential problems include premature delivery and low birth weight. As an indirect effect, depression can lead pregnant women to use tobacco, alcohol and other substances that are harmful to fetuses.

The answer for pregnant women may be to gradually taper off SSRI use. Going "cold turkey" may have a negative impact on their mental health. One study found that among women who quit taking antidepressants once they found out they were pregnant, 70 percent experienced negative physical or psychological effects.

Source: Daily Herald, "Antidepressants and pregnancy: Women must consider the impact of drugs on baby, and of depression on baby, themselves," Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, Feb. 7, 2012