my-healthy-pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to take medicines according to their individual needs. Folic acid and other supplemental medicines are prescribed for the healthy growth and safe delivery of the baby. Zoloft and pregnancy is not a good combination as Zoloft being an anti depressant medicine can potentially harm your unborn child; however Zoloft and pregnancy may be combined in certain situations. Disorders such as social anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder are treated with the medicine Zoloft. Depression is an illness characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness and may be associated with insomnia or difficulty in sleeping. Some people with depression may overeat and gain weight while some people may eat less, thus losing weight. Lack of interest in activities once enjoyable, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts are some other symptoms of depression.
Zoloft and pregnancy: to combat depression
Earlier it was considered that the pregnancy hormones protect from depression. But latest research shows that pregnancy increases depression in woman who may need an antidepressant medicine to cope with the situation. Zoloft is an antidepressant medicine prescribed during pregnancy. Treatment for depression during pregnancy is important, therefore, Zoloft and pregnancy is required. Without Zoloft you will have lack of strength and energy. Due to depression instead of taking prenatal care and taking nutritious food for the growth of your baby you will be prone to turn to drinking alcohol and smoking. This condition results in premature delivery, underweight baby and other complications. The decision for combining Zoloft and pregnancy is taken after considering the benefits and risk factors of individual situations.
Zoloft and pregnancy: Common adverse effects
Three anti depressants are considered safe and can be used during pregnancy: Tricyclic antidepressants, Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Bupropion are the three anti depressants used. Zoloft (sertraline) falls in the category of SSRIs. Though these anti depressants can be used during pregnancy still there are risk of combining Zoloft and pregnancy especially in the last trimester. The adverse effects of combining Zoloft and pregnancy are that the newborn may develop serious lung problem if Zoloft is taken during the last trimester of pregnancy. The effect of Zoloft and pregnancy combination also includes development of birth defects in baby’s heart septum.
Some other effects of Zoloft and pregnancy combination are premature delivery and birth of an underweight baby. Zoloft and pregnancy combination during the last months of pregnancy may cause the baby to have withdrawal symptoms for three to four days after delivery. The common withdrawal symptoms are irritability, tremors, convulsions and increased crying. Some doctors advice their patients to reduce the dosage of the medicine before the due date of delivery or discontinue it 14 days before the due date for prevention of withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby.
If you have depression during pregnancy, then your doctor is the best person to decide whether you can combine Zoloft and pregnancy. Moreover, once you have combined Zoloft and pregnancy, you should not stop the medicine without consulting your physician. If you stop the medicine abruptly it may cause various symptoms such as vomiting and nausea, fatigue, chills, irritability, and anxiety. If you are planning to get pregnant and take anti depressants, then it is ideal to consult your physician first.