Depression can affect up to 10% of women during or after pregnancy. The symptoms of depression during pregnancy are similar to those found at other times in life, but the treatment available is limited to protect the health of the unborn child.
Antidepressant medications may present some risk for birth defects and other neurological conditions in the baby. However, untreated depression can also put you and your child at risk. Counseling and support groups do not have adverse side effects that can affect the child, but they may not be as effective as medication.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for mood disorders that the FDA has cleared for treating depression and depression-related anxiety and as an adjunctive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
TMS therapy for pregnant patients is one potential option for relieving the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Deirmenjian has over 14 years of experience treating patients with TMS therapy and was an early adopter of TMS therapy for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
TMS directs magnetic fields at the areas of the brain that affect mood disorders. The exact way that TMS works is not fully understood. However, imaging studies demonstrate this area of the brain is less active in people with depression than in people without depression.
After the application of TMS, most people experience a reduction or elimination of symptoms of depression, and follow-up imaging shows these areas of the brain have a normal amount of activity. The theory is that TMS provides external stimulation that increases connections within the brain, raising activity levels and reducing symptoms.
TMS does not affect the entire body. It addresses only specific regions of the brain. It is far less likely to cause systemic side effects commonly found with antidepressant medications, which makes it a potential alternative therapy for women who have depression while pregnant.
TMS could be an ideal therapy for pregnant patients since it does not expose the child to medications.
Although there continues to be limited research available, it has proven safe and effective in clinical use.
There are some common side effects of TMS therapy in all patient populations, including pregnant women. These include short-term pain over the scalp where the TMS device is placed and a headache. Some special considerations must be taken for women who are pregnant.
Each person can react to TMS differently, but the only pregnancy-related complication that has occurred in more than one person is called supine hypotension syndrome. This happens when a person is lying on their back, and the blood vessels behind the uterus become compressed, which reduces the amount of blood that returns to the heart.
Women more than 24 weeks pregnant are advised to position themselves on their left side with a 30° pelvic tilt using a wedge cushion instead of on their back while receiving treatment. Although TMS during pregnancy and postpartum appears promising, studies have limited sample sizes, and most data comes from case reports.
NeuroStar TMS has a low side effect profile and has been effectively and safely used for candidates who are pregnant; it is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. You can discuss your candidacy further during your consultation with Dr. Deirmenjian.
Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk of adverse effects for yourself and your baby. Antidepressant medications are not always the answer due to risks for your unborn child.
We encourage you to call our office and schedule your consultation to discuss whether you can use TMS therapy for pregnant patients and what results you can expect.
Call (310) 246-9110