Recent studies have shown that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not significantly increase risks when properly managed. Megyn Kelly’s alarming commentary overlooks crucial scientific evidence demonstrating the safety of these medications under medical supervision. The real danger lies in untreated maternal depression, which poses serious threats to both mother and child.
Many hardworking moms face tough choices about mental health treatment while expecting. Depression during pregnancy can lead to devastating outcomes like suicide, which is a leading cause of maternal death. Stopping necessary medication without alternatives risks lives.
Research involving over 5 million women proves antidepressant use doesn’t cause miscarriages when accounting for depression’s effects. Earlier studies wrongly blamed the medicines because they didn’t separate depression’s impact from drug effects. This flawed research needlessly scared mothers.
Children exposed to antidepressants in the womb show no increased risk of developing depression or anxiety themselves. A Mayo Clinic study tracking kids for years found identical rates of these conditions in medicated and unmedicated pregnancies. The mother’s mental health history matters more than the drugs.
Untreated depression during pregnancy triples suicide risk compared to healthy mothers. Depression’s physical toll includes premature birth and developmental problems in babies. Ignoring mental health helps no one.
While medicines have risks, abandoning treatment without doctor guidance is reckless. Therapy use hasn’t increased despite antidepressant declines during pregnancy. Women deserve balanced facts, not fearmongering.
Big Pharma and government regulators have pushed dangerous drugs before, making caution understandable. But denying depressed mothers safe treatment options violates family values. Protecting both generations requires wisdom, not panic.
American mothers should consult doctors they trust, weigh all evidence, and make informed choices for their families’ wellbeing. Mental health care preserves lives when responsibly managed.
