Reasons for the Holiday Blues

Some of the most common reasons that people feel extra stress during the holidays include money, family, traveling, over-committing to attending events, and for some, the inability to spend time with their loved ones. Being pregnant can add another layer of anxiety to an already hectic time. Though the season is always presented as a time filled with joy, it can certainly take a toll on people’s mental health. It is important to note that when depression is left untreated during pregnancy, there may be increased risks for miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and a number of other harmful effects on mom and baby. See our fact sheet on depression and pregnancy. It’s also important during pregnancy to not stop (or start) taking any medications without first talking with your health provider. Whether or not a woman continues to take a medication throughout her pregnancy will depend on the benefits of taking the medication versus any possible risks associated with the medication. For that reason, I suggested to Katie that she should speak with her healthcare provider about whether or not continuing to take sertraline is in her best interest given her particular health history and pregnancy.

Mental Health & SSRIs

I then reviewed with Katie everything that we know about sertraline use during pregnancy. Sertraline has been one of our most viewed fact sheets on MotherToBaby.org in recent months, and is in a class of medications called SSRI’s, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. A small number of studies have found associations between sertraline use during pregnancy and particular birth defects, such as heart defects. However, the majority of the studies looking at over 10,000 pregnant women, have found that women taking sertraline during pregnancy are not more likely to have a baby with a birth defect than women not taking the medication. Overall, the available information does not suggest that sertraline increases the chance for birth defects above the 3-5% background risk that is there for every pregnancy. We have a wonderful fact sheet on this medication that you can view here. We also have a mental health web page where you can see links to fact sheets on other SSRI’s and commonly prescribed medications for people dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as Baby Blogs on related topics. All of our fact sheets also address breastfeeding, so if you are in the postpartum period please also take a look or reach out to us with questions.

If you’re feeling blue this holiday season, remember that it is just as important to take care of yourself as it is to care for those around you. The holidays can also be a wonderful time of year to take stock of what it is in life that you’re thankful for. If you do find that you are feeling down or depressed and have been feeling this way for quite some time, seeing your healthcare provider may be a good step to take. If you are pregnant and dealing with feelings of sadness and depression, do not assume you cannot take a medication to help with your symptoms. If you are pregnant and already taking a medication for depression, don’t stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider. Always check with your health care provider before starting or stopping any medication.

The experts at MotherToBaby are always here to offer the latest information on medications in order to help you and your healthcare provider make the best care plan possible for you and baby. If you’re feeling blue, make sure to reach out to a friend or family member that can remind you you’re not alone, and that you are cared for. To all women and their families, here’s to a healthy, happy holiday season!

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