For the study, researchers observed a group of 300 pregnant women, most of whom did not suffer from depression but some either had a history of depression or reported becoming depressed during pregnancy. Of those observed, some took medication to treat their depression either for part of their pregnancy or for the entire pregnancy; some did not take medication and remained depressed; and some did not take medication and reported being depressed for only part of their pregnancy.

The research found that the women who took medication for the duration of their pregnancy and the women who did not take medication but still suffered with depression had a much higher rate of premature birth (20 percent) than the women who took no medication and recovered from their depression during their pregnancy (4 to 9 percent).

Antidepressants can also carry others risks to unborn babies. A 2005 scientific study showed a link between birth defects in babies born to women who took antidepressants during pregnancy. The recurrence was rare enough that some antidepressants are still considered viable options for pregnant women.

However, one antidepressant showed a greater risk to unborn children in the first trimester over other antidepressants, Paxil. As a result of the study, drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline updated the PRECAUTIONS subsection on the labeling for its popular antidepressant Paxil, citing a greater risk for overall birth defects, in particular heart defects.

Women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should consult with their doctors to determine what depression treatment is best for them.

SOURCE: Paxil and Pregnancy › Study: antidepressants, depression linked to preterm birth