When women have high blood pressure in pregnancy we weigh the potential risks of blood pressure medication against the risk of mom’s blood pressure staying high, and then treat accordingly. When we think about using medicine in pregnancy for mental health challenges we are similarly always weighing what we know about potential risks of particular medications against what we know about the risks of mom struggling with mental health in pregnancy. We know that pregnancies in moms who are struggling with depression and anxiety in pregnancy carry a higher risk of complications and negative outcomes. We use medication judiciously and collaboratively to decrease overall risk to you and to your baby.

Of course! I use medications conservatively as one potential tool to help women feel better; we are often simultaneously discussing other tools that may be helpful. I will always talk through with you potential risks and potential benefits of stopping medication and how to do so safely. I will be open and direct with you if I think coming off your medication at any particular time is inadvisable.

For most of my patients, the answer is “no.” Women I work with often benefit from medication for periods of time in which they are struggling, such as during the postpartum period. When we start medication we will discuss how and when we might look at tapering off. Based on your history and the kind of struggles you’ve had, taking medication long term may be important- we will discuss this together.