Maternal and Neonatal Risks of Untreated Major Depressive Disorder in Pregnancy

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is reported in about 12.4% of pregnancies in the US and is a serious health problem for both pregnant women and the fetus. While many studies have been conducted to determine the risks associated with postpartum depression, few have investigated the effects of untreated antenatal depression in pregnancy on both the mother and child. This review aims to compile and examine the outcomes of these studies, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. After a thorough review of 29 studies, findings were consistent with negative physiological and psychological impacts of untreated antenatal depression, including increased prevalence of preterm birth, reduced fetal growth, and increased risk of postpartum depression, among others. When examining treatment options, research showed that antidepressants, though effective in managing symptoms in the mother, are associated with several risks to the developing fetus, such as fetal neurodevelopmental issues and preterm labor. Therefore, to improve maternal health without endangering fetal safety, more research must be done on the risk-benefit analysis of the use of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to treat major depressive disorder in pregnant women.