Women who need drug treatment for their depression often worry whether taking the medication could increase the risks for the baby or the pregnancy. Scientists are addressing these questions in order to provide good and safe care for affected women. Whether taking antidepressants increases the risk of gestational diabetes has been investigated by Canadian researchers now being investigated.
The patient data of 20,905 women with gestational diabetes and 209,050 pregnant women without this condition were analysed. A total of 4.2 % of all these women had been treated with antidepressants during pregnancy. They came to the conclusion that this was dependent on the drug group.
The result of the study: taking certain antidepressants is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes - and the longer the treatment lasted, the greater the risk. This was particularly evident for active substances of the SNRI type, tricyclic antidepressants and the combination of two classes of antidepressants.
On the other hand none increased risk of gestational diabetes when taking so-called "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs). This class of antidepressants is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of depression, panic and anxiety disorders, compulsions and post-traumatic stress disorders.
TIP: Existing mental illnesses that require treatment can also continue during pregnancy or new ones can develop, for example a Pregnancy depression. If drug treatment is indicated, the choice of an appropriate antidepressant must always be made with particular care with regard to the child, but also with regard to possible gestational diabetes. Trust your doctor's experience here! Ideally, your gynaecological and psychiatric specialists will work together on this. Insist if you are unsure! If you are taking medication to treat depression and you become pregnant, please do not stop taking it yourself. Your doctor will work with you to see which medication is best for you and your pregnancy. If necessary, they will work with you to find a medication from a suitable group of active ingredients.
