Prozac in Pregnancy Toxic to Fetus

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http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/15/pregnancy_prozac.htm

 

Prozac in Pregnancy Toxic to Fetus

Women who take the popular antidepressant Prozac while pregnant might negatively

affect the development of their babies.

 

Researchers found some of the consequences included babies that were born

lighter and sleepier than normal. Respiratory problems were another reported

consequence. A report revealed that the effects of taking the drug were more

likely to happen in utero exposure during the late stages in gestation.

 

The report involved the study of Prozac, known generically as fluoxetine.

Although the studied toxicity of this drug was considered to be reversible,

long-term studies have yet to be performed to observe residual effects.

 

Experts also found that Prozac could affect sex drive in both adult men and

women, and it was discovered that the drug was getting into the blood of

newborns through breast milk. It was also reported that mood disorders in women

of childbearing years was common and statistics showed that 15.6 percent of

women met the qualifications for major depression while in their third trimester

of pregnancy.

 

Researchers suggested further examination of how and why antidepressants could

trigger the production of new brain cells, which could affect a fetus or newborn

in ways that haven’t yet been explored.

 

 

 

CNN April 28, 2004

 

 

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Of course pregnant women who are suffering from depression should get help, but

there are healthier options for both mother and baby than antidepressant drugs.

 

Depression is a serious condition that needs to be taken seriously, especially

among pregnant women because of the possible health risks that can be caused to

the developing fetus or later to the newborn child. But drugs are rarely a wise

choice for pregnant women. There are much safer alternatives where you won’t

have to risk negatively altering the development of your baby and any other

long-term health effects.

 

Here are some simple and virtually non-toxic therapy options:

 

The use of omega-3 oils is an absolute must with most Americans but particularly

with pregnant women.

 

This is because the vast majority of women are deficient in higher order

beneficial omega-3 fats like DHA. DHA is responsible for:

 

Preventing the vast majority of premature deliveries

Maximizing intelligence

Optimizing vision in infants

 

Supplementing your diet with omega-3 fat from fish oil or cod liver oil is also

an excellent way to treat depression. If this subject interests you, I highly

recommend Dr. Stoll's book The Omega-3 Connection. He is a Harvard psychiatrist

who has done a great job of compiling the evidence supporting the use of fish

oils for depression.

 

But in addition to treating the depression, omega-3 will also do wonders for

improving the intelligence of the child and protecting them from the epidemic of

brain injuries such as autism, pervasive developmental delay and ADHD.

 

Exposure to full-spectrum lighting and bright-light therapy are other safe

options for treating depression.

 

In the summer this is easy to do, just spend one hour outside in the sunlight,

not behind a window. The window will filter out many of the over 1500

wavelengths that are present in full sunlight. If the problem occurs during the

winter then access to full-spectrum fluorescent lighting will be very important.

 

By trying these simple and effective natural treatments, the majority of

pregnant women will experience a significant improvement in their depression and

will avoid the potentially serious consequences associated with taking

antidepressants while pregnant.

 

Related Articles:

 

Should You Use Antidepressants During Pregnancy?

 

Antidepressant in Pregnancy Not a Great Idea

 

Light Therapy Useful for Depression During Pregnancy

 

Fish Oil in Pregnancy Treats Depression Risks

 

20 Percent of Pregnant Women Suffer From Depression

 

Defeating Depression: as Easy as Omega-3

 

 

 

 

 

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