Antidepressant Use Can Increase Risk of Diabetes in Pregnancy

Mental health is extremely important in pregnancy, and one should realize that this is more important than having a medication free pregnancy for those who really need depression medication.

However, as with any medicine, using antidepressants should be discussed with your provider prior to attempting to conceive.

You should have a plan for what medication you are given, any dosage adjustments, a plan for prevention of post partum depression, and of course a plan for treatment during breastfeeding.

A registry study done in Canada looked at over 21,000 births. They did see in this study a modes increase in the risk of diabetes in pregnancy in women on antidepressants during pregnancy.

The reasons for this link is that antidepressants can affect your sugar level and control, it can affect how the pancreas secretes insulin, as well as your weight and how cells respond to insulin. Thus antidepressants can exaggerate the already insulin resistant state of pregnancy.

Come in to discuss what your plan may be if you are on an antidepressant and thinking of getting pregnant.