Medication in pregnancy

[Soontobe3aftertwins]

Hi all,

Looking for advice, I'm currently pregnant and need advice regarding alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy. Would love to know what's out there. I'm early pregnancy so want the best for baby. Ideally something alternative as I don't want to expose the baby to medication particularly antidepressants which have been linked to neuro developmental issues in children and other conditions that affect the heart etc. Obviously I've Heard of st John's wart and counseling but is there anything else you can do to prevent depression in pregnancy. Tia

I don't know the answer to your question exactly but can I urge you to be very careful at trusting alternative remedies over recognised medicines. The latter have all undergone rigorous testing and your GP can advise you on the pros and cons. Don't equate herbal with natural with no risk

Talking therapies are fine, but a doctor can tell you that you can't take x drug because they don't know it's safe whereas an alternative meds prac will say it's natural and fine, even tho it's also not tested

www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/#pqr

St John's Wort should not be used in pregnancy. Ideally it should be discontinued 3 months before TTC, or if unplanned then discontinue as soon as pregnancy is established.

You need to talk to a medical professional about this (GP would be a good first start, perinatal psychiatrist would be ideal). Some antidepressants are safer than others and I believe sertraline is considered very low risk. However stopping any antidepressant without medical guidance can be a dangerous thing to do. There are risks of untreated depression for your baby as well as you. Definitely don't switch to St Johns Wort without talking to a doctor, it's a medicine too.