Depression During Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Women often seek clinical consultation for antidepressant use both prior to conception and duringpregnancy. Some women experience a new onset of symptoms during pregnancy, while those witha history of depressive symptoms are at increased risk. Nevertheless, clinicians are faced with thechallenge of treating the mother without posing risks to the fetus. This review discusses risk factorsfor depression during pregnancy and the consequences of untreated depression. Nonpharmacologicand pharmacologic treatment options are reviewed, and guidelines for treating depression duringpregnancy are presented.