Singer Meghan Trainor welcomed her son, Riley, in 2021, but unfortunately, he was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The baby was in a breech position, had to be born by cesarean section, and required a feeding tube. The "Better When I'm Dancin" singer told TODAY Parents that her pregnancy and giving birth to her baby was a rough start to motherhood. She recalled feeling blamed by NICU nurses for her baby's health and revealed that the hospital staff had no name for Riley's condition but cited that the newborn was very sleepy and had trouble waking up for feedings.
The 28-year-old mother added that she was continuously asked if she was on antidepressants during the pregnancy, and she said yes. But she explained that before taking the antidepressant, she consulted with her doctors, who all said it was safe and wouldn't affect her child.
Riley is now 19 months old and thriving. The "Just a Friend to You" singer stated that she and her husband, actor Daryl Sabara, plan to start trying for a second baby in the coming months. Dr. Angela Bianco, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mount Sinai Health System, explains that there's no need to lessen antidepressants during pregnancy.
"Infants born to women with depression are more likely to be irritable"
Bianco added that all the data given to the patients are very reassuring and have a decent amount of retrospective data linked with excellent pregnancy outcomes.
On the other hand, Nicole Warren, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, feels glad that the "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" singer is bringing the topic to the forefront, adding that if an individual is stable on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and then goes off of it, they may start to experience worsening symptoms of depression.
According to Warren, experiencing depression is linked with poor outcomes such as impaired judgment, insomnia, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. If a person is experiencing depression during pregnancy, it could seriously threaten the well-being of both the parent and the baby. Warren disclosed that there are also some risks involved with taking antidepressants during pregnancy, including poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (PNAS).
PNAS is only temporary and doesn't need special care or medical intervention. However, its symptoms can include jitteriness, feeding difficulties, and hypoglycemia.
According to NCBI, around 2-3 percent of pregnant women take antidepressants during pregnancy, and the number of mothers treated increases by birth to 5-7 percent.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said it also has consequences. Infants born to women with depression are more likely to be irritable, have fewer facial expressions, and be less active.
Some antidepressants are linked with a higher risk of complications
Bianco added that it could have a small increased risk of structural heart disease in the fetus. Therefore, if the mother takes an antidepressant, they will have a fetal echocardiogram, but there's a marginal risk.
Bianco strongly advocates for women who need antidepressants and anxiolytics (anxiety-reducing medicine) to stay on their medication and not stop due to pregnancy or attempting to conceive.
On the other hand, Warren encouraged expectant moms to discuss any concerns by speaking with their OB-GYN.
Warren clarified that untreated depression is both dangerous to the parent and the newborn. The main concern is typically the risk of congenital disabilities from exposure to antidepressants. Consider asking your doctors regarding this concern and remember that some antidepressants are associated with a higher risk of complications for the baby, Mayo Clinic reported.
