Check Your Meds
7. Check medications. Pregnant women who are depressed or anxious have a twofold increase of preterm birth, according to Dr. Lockwood, so treatment is crucial. One recent study, however, suggests that a class of antidepressants used to treat these conditions, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be associated with a slightly higher risk of preterm delivery.
Another class of drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, did not show this association. (Neither type of medication has been shown to cause birth defects.) It's important to remember, however, that many women have used SSRIs such as Prozac and Paxil safely during pregnancy, and the benefits of treating depression often outweigh any risks. Consult your doctor if you feel you should consider switching medication.
