SSRIs in Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks, & Your Options
Show Notes:
[1:42] Reviewer of the Week
Shoutout to Mel Noll, a future doula binging the podcast! If you're a birth worker in training, this one's for you too.
[3:27] Mental Health During Pregnancy
Mental health isn't just an "add-on" to your care—it's central. I talk about how hormones, life stress, and other big changes can impact your emotional well-being in pregnancy.
[4:24] What Does SSRI Stand For?
Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro . . . Sound familiar? I break down what SSRIs are and how they're commonly used.
[6:24] How Common Are SSRIs in Pregnancy?
One in 10 women are on antidepressants during pregnancy. Yes, 10%! Let’s unpack why and what this might tell us about how we're caring for mamas.
[7:05] The Benefits
Can SSRIs be helpful? Yes. Especially when dealing with serious depression or maternal suicide risk. I also share my own experience with prenatal depression (spoiler: it surprised me too).
[13:39] The Risks (for Mom)
We walk through some of the common risks, like insomnia, fatigue, emotional numbness, and postpartum complications. If your provider hasn’t mentioned these, you’ll want to tune in.
[18:51] The Risks (for Baby)
Did you know SSRIs cross the placenta? We’ll talk neonatal adaptation syndrome, possible links to autism, and how to weigh these risks thoughtfully and confidently.
[22:11] What If You’re Already on SSRIs When You Get Pregnant?
Don’t panic. I walk you through your options, why you shouldn’t quit cold turkey, and the types of professionals who can actually help you safely wean (OBs might not be enough!).
We also dig into:
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Holistic and alternative options
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Nutrition and supplements that actually help
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Movement, sunshine, and how nature supports healing
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Emotional tools like breathwork, journaling, and talk therapy
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Finding the community and spiritual support you need
[41:21] A Few Final Reminders
You’re not alone. This is YOUR decision, and the right people will support you in it. I share thoughts on postpartum planning, listening to your intuition, and why your mental health is absolutely not separate from your pregnancy.
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