Tag Archives: Pregnancy

Pandemic Has Led to Increased Use of Cannabis During Pregnancy

While we have seen decreasing rates of alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy over the last few decades, the use of cannabis during pregnancy is on the rise.  Qualitative studies indicate that pregnant women report using cannabis to manage a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression.  Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has led… Read More »

Essential Reads: Bright Light Therapy for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy, Mixed Findings

Despite data to support the reproductive safety of many antidepressants during pregnancy, many women would prefer to avoid medications, if possible.  In this setting, many women pursue psychotherapy, others use acupuncture or yoga or exercise. Although non-pharmacologic treatments are perceived as being safer than medications, this is only true if the treatment is effective.  Exposure… Read More »

Essential Reads: Modafinil and Armodafinil During Pregnancy Associated with Increased Risk of Malformations

Modafinil (brand name Provigil) and armodafinil (Nuvigil) are wake-promoting agents used to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. They are also used in other settings, often in combination with other medications, to treat ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.   Danish Study of 50 Modafinil-Exposed Infants In… Read More »

A tale of two pregnancies – Louise Heraghty finds exercising in her second pregnancy is a lot tougher, but she is staying on track

I am halfway through my pregnancy with my second child and delighted to still be exercising regularly. In saying that, I was very naive in thinking that this pregnancy fitness experience would be the same as the first. I thought I was some sort of superwoman last time round. was already very active before my… Read More »

Depression During Pregnancy Affect Infant’s Brain Anatomy, But No Change with Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs

When a woman comes in for a consultation regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, we spend most of our time reviewing the potential risks of exposure to medications during pregnancy.  However, we must also include a discussion of the effects of untreated psychiatric illness in the mother on the developing child, for there is… Read More »

In Women with Opioid Use Disorder, Treatment Initiated During Pregnancy May Improve Postpartum Outcomes

According to a recent analysis of national data by the Centers for Disease Control, the number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (as documented at the time of delivery) more than quadrupled from 1999 through 2014. While many women are able to decrease or abstain from opioid use during pregnancy, the first year postpartum… Read More »