“I’m feeling overwhelmed. I can’t seem to relax!” This was the message I received from Sarah shortly after logging onto our chat service. “I’m 14 weeks pregnant and I’m anxious about taking medication,” she added. As someone who specializes in providing information about pregnancy, I was eager to help Sarah address her concerns.
After visiting her healthcare provider, Sarah learned that her anxiety was becoming a significant issue. She shared her struggles with sleep and eating, as well as the constant worry about her future as a mom. Recognizing that her feelings were more than typical pregnancy jitters, her doctor suggested starting on an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to help manage her anxiety.
While Sarah understood that she needed to take action, she felt hesitant about medication. “I’ve read that SSRIs can lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns,” she typed nervously. “Shouldn’t I just tough it out for the next six months to protect my baby?”
This is a common concern among expectant mothers. In the U.S., approximately 6.8 million adults experience anxiety, with women being twice as likely to be affected. About 6% of women will develop anxiety during pregnancy. While some find relief through non-medication strategies like meditation, exercise, or talking to friends, these approaches hadn’t worked for Sarah; her anxiety was worsening.
Before addressing her concerns about withdrawal, I emphasized the importance of treating her anxiety. I applauded her for recognizing her symptoms and discussing them openly with her doctor. Many women believe that enduring anxiety during pregnancy is safer, but untreated anxiety can lead to complications such as preterm birth and bonding issues with their baby. Additionally, a history of anxiety can increase the risk of postpartum mood disorders.
Understanding the stakes, Sarah reflected on her niece’s premature birth and how distressing that experience had been for her sister. She agreed that managing her anxiety should be a priority.
Her doctor recommended sertraline (Zoloft), a well-studied SSRI. While it’s true that withdrawal symptoms—like irritability and feeding difficulties—can occur in babies born to mothers taking SSRIs, not every baby experiences these effects. Studies suggest that between 10-30% of infants may be affected, but often the symptoms are mild and resolve within two weeks. Importantly, the severity of withdrawal doesn’t seem to correlate with the dosage of medication taken.
After our discussion, Sarah felt relieved. “I feel much better now, and it seems like I can manage any withdrawal issues with proper planning. I think starting this medication is in the best interest of both me and my baby.” I was glad she reached out; this is a complex but common issue. With the right information, Sarah can make informed choices for her health and her baby’s well-being.
For more insights on unique baby names, check out our blog post on unconventional celebrity baby names. If you’re considering home insemination, the CryoBaby at-home insemination kit is a great option. For more information on pregnancy, visit the NICHD website.
To summarize, managing anxiety during pregnancy is crucial for both a mother’s health and her baby’s development. While medication may raise concerns, the benefits of addressing anxiety can far outweigh potential risks.