Perinatal depression: what you can do to reduce its long-term effects
New data show that a woman’s antenatal depression can affect her child 18 years later, suggesting that early intervention is critical. Here, a look at how ObGyns can help.
Many women assume they should never get pregnant because of their mental health issues, their medications, or both, says Dr. Mittal. Or they believe they must stop their meds if they become pregnant. In fact, some patients report that they have been counseled to avoid medication in pregnancy by their psychiatrist or obstetrician!
“I have spoken to many psychiatrists who say they are not comfortable prescribing to pregnant women, so they either drop the patients or stop their meds!” she says.
When that happens, the patient should find another psychiatrist.
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