Pregnant Women Eschew Meds
A minority of women believe it is safe to take depression medication while they are pregnant, according to a survey by the Society for Women's Health Research. The survey of 1,000 women was conducted by telephone in October; 500 family physicians, general practitioners, and internists were also surveyed. Only 11% of women said they thought it was safe to take a depression therapy during pregnancy, compared with 68% of physicians. Less educated and lower income women and African American women were more likely to believe it was unsafe to take a medication. Half of the women said it was safe post partum, compared with 97% of physicians. Women believed depression was a normal part of the postpartum experience and also underestimated their risk for depression, according to the society. In a statement, Sherry Marts, the society's vice president of scientific affairs, said the survey shows a disconnect between physicians' beliefs about depression and women's perceptions. “The health care community needs to do a better job communicating with women about depression,” she said.