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Perinatal depression is associated with serious risks for the mother, baby, and family. When considering treating perinatal depression with a drug indicated for the treatment of depression, the major concerns are whether the drug increases the risks of teratogenicity, pregnancy complications, poor neonatal adaptation, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Although different studies have produced different results, the majority have not shown increases in risk for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or the noradrenergic/dopaminergic drug bupropion. In this review we will discuss the reproductive safety data for these medications as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and benzodiazepines.

OBJECTIVE: To promote prompt identification and treatment ofperinatal depression and enhance preventive care for women at risk. METHODS: Using MEDLINE and PubMed searches, we reviewed the recent research on the origins, course, and consequences of pregnancy-related depression. RESULTS: Depressive disorders are more common in pregnancy and postpartum than widely assumed, and there is no predictable protective effect of pregnancy. Relapse rates are high, and the postpartum period represents a time of increased vulnerability to depression. CONCLUSION: Early identification and treatment ofperinatal depression will minimize morbidity and mortality for the woman, the child, and the family