Expecting mothers take note, use of antidepressants during pregnancy can take a toll on your child's mental health, suggests a latest study. New research states that about 32,400 children developed a psychiatric disorder later in life, which could have a possible link to their mothers taking anti-depressants during their term.
Researchers from the National Centre for Register-based Research at Aarhus BSS analysed 90,5,383 children born between 1998 and 2012 to explore the possible adverse effects of the mother's use of antidepressants during her pregnancy. Research and studies conducted earlier have pointed out that use of antidepressants during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in the child and can also lead to birth defects. Over 32,400 children were found to develop a psychiatric disorder later in life.
The study that appeared in BMJ-British Medical Journal, revealed that some of these children were born to mothers who were on antidepressants during their pregnancy, while other children were not exposed to medication. The researchers also noted that the chances of risk increased if the mother continued antidepressant treatment during pregnancy.
For the study, the researchers divided the children into four groups depending on the mother's use of antidepressants before and during pregnancy. Group one comprised of children who had not been exposed to antidepressants in the womb, whereas group two had the children whose mothers had been taking antidepressants up until the pregnancy, but not during the pregnancy. In group three, mothers used antidepressants both before and during pregnancy. The final group comprised of children whose mothers were new users of antidepressants and had started taking the medication during the pregnancy. The findings revealed that the disorders amongst children increased significantly, if their mothers had been using anti-depressants during their pregnancy. Approximately twice as many children were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in group 4 (14.5%) than in group 1 (8%). In groups 2 and 3 respectively, 11.5% and 13.6% were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder at age 16 years The researchers also pointed that medication seems to increase the risk, but that heritability also plays a role.
Pregnancy is a sensitive phase and it is better to take all the precautions that you can during this time. Here are five healthy foods that you may eat for your child's better brain development.
1.Salmon
Salmon is a good source of protein and calcium. Salmon also contains a decent amount of Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your baby's brain.
2. Milk
Loaded with protein and calcium, milk is a must for every mother who is expecting. Protein is known as the 'builder nutrient'. It is essential for the baby's organ and brain development. Good quality protein sources include eggs and fish and vegetarians can get their dose of protein from lentils, cottage cheese, and nuts.
3. Amaranth
Amaranth is rich in folate and iron. Folate or folic acid is a B-group vitamin essential for the healthy development of the fetus in early stage of pregnancy. It also plays a crucial role in the brain development of the baby and helps support the placenta.
4. Leafy green fruits and vegetables
Make sure you keep munching on fresh and leafy greens for your daily dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the baby's brain tissue from damage.
5. Iron-Rich Food
If your baby is deprived of oxygen in the womb, the risk of poor growth and lower IQ increases. Both the mother and the child need iron to meet the needs of red blood cell production. Include fish, amaranth, Bengal gram leaves, radish leaves and cauliflower greens in your diet to meet your daily iron needs.