Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center
Maternal Depression and Fetal Neurobehavior
Principal Investigator
Amy Salisbury, PhD, RN
Funding Source
National Institute of Mental Health
Description
Medications for depression have been shown to be generally safe
for use during pregnancy, with no major physical abnormalities seen
in these infants. However, it is not known if there are other effects
of these medications on the infants, particularly neurological and
behavioral development. It is also not known if there are risks
to the fetus and infant if the depression is not treated. This study
is looking at the effects of depression during pregnancy and antidepressant
medications on fetal and infant neurobehavioral development. Fetal
behavior is observed and recorded by an ultrasound at 28 and 36
weeks of pregnancy. After delivery the infants will be observed
in the newborn nursery for neurobehavioral development (reflexes,
muscle tone, attention and general behavior) and sleep state observations,
which give us information about brain development.
Significance
The results of this project will be used by physicians to make risk-benefit
decisions about the pharmacological treatment of depression during
pregnancy.
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us for more information about the center and our research.
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