Zoloft And Pregnancy

Many studies have been done and much has been documented regarding Zoloft and pregnancy. So here are a few findings, some important statistics and facts, to hopefully answer and questions you might have about Zoloft and pregnancy: Zoloft and Pregnancy Facts Stopping Zoloft before Conception: The advice of medical professionals is to stop Zoloft at least 14 days before starting an MAOI or other drug that will have the possibility of contraindications if combined with the remaining Zoloft in your system. At the same time, it is said that the half-life of the drug differs for each individual user, and yet typically is completely gone by the end of the first week of your stopping, enabling you to consider pregnancy without concerns for Zoloft residuals. Third Trimester Zoloft Use According to Otispregnancy.com, studies and “a few case reports” reveal the possibilities of Zoloft and third-trimester pregnancy, particularly, for example, a discovery that babies born to Mothers using Zoloft during pregnancy are at a higher risk of being born prematurely. In addition, babies carried to full term have been found to have developed minor, temporary complications such as blood sugar dipping, jitteriness, and breathing problems. The Necessity of Zoloft Through Entire Pregnancy: Oddly enough, there is very little factual info on the effects of full term and post-birth (breastfeeding) with Zoloft users. Also according to Otispregnancy.com, One single case was reported. The mother discovered that the newborn showed signs of agitation, constant crying, and a period of insomnia that lasted approximately 2 days. Zoloft and Breastfeeding: Factual studies reveal that miniscule amounts of sertraline (Zoloft) are found in the milk of mothers taking Zoloft. Hence, it is decided that 1-2% of the antidepressant passes from mother to child. Moreover, it is suggested a nursing mother take her meds immediately after a breastfeeding session or at the onset of the baby’s naptime, despite the fact that all of the many studies done have not discovered any adversities for babies breastfed by mothers taking Zoloft. Zoloft and Pregnancy Statistics Long-term effects in Children The research continues to look into what the long term effects are on children whose mothers took Zoloft throughout their pregnancy. Statistics

are available for Prozac patients, favorable so far, but not for Zoloft. The Possibility of Birth Defects 300 pregnant women who took Zoloft throughout their pregnancy were closely studied. Unfortunately, according to Otispregnancy, the medication increases by 3-5% the chances of babies being born with birth defects. Zoloft and Pregnancy Choices As with any medication, it is your choice, just as it is your option to research, ask questions, and do what is most often and most highly recommended. Consult with your primary care physician or obstetrician…for the rest of the facts and statistics on Zoloft and pregnancy and the safest and healthiest practices for you and your babe.