Journal of Neonatal Biology

Untreated depression during pregnancy: Short- and long-term effects in offspring

9^th International Conference on Neonatology and Pediatric Neurology

November 28-30, 2016 Valencia, Spain

Gentile Salvatore

Medical School �??Federico II�?�, Italy

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Neonatal Biol

Abstract:

Aim of this presentation is to assess short- and long-lasting effects of antenatal exposure to untreated maternal depressive symptoms. Untreated gestational depression and even depressive symptoms during pregnancy may have untoward effects on the developing fetus (hyperactivity, irregular fetal heart rate), newborns (increased cortisol and norepinephrine levels, decreased dopamine levels, altered EEG patterns, reduced vagal tone, stress/depressive-like behaviors, and increased rates of premature deaths and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission),` and children (increased salivary cortisol levels, internalizing and externalizing problems, and central adiposity). During adolescence, an independent association exists between maternal antenatal mood symptoms and a slight increase in criminal behaviors. In contrast, the relationship between gestational depression and increased risks of prematurity and low birth weight remains controversial. Given this background, when making clinical decisions, clinicians should weigh the growing evidences suggesting the detrimental and prolonged effects in offspring of untreated antenatal depression and depressive symptoms during pregnancy against the known and emerging concerns associated with in utero exposure to antidepressants.

Biography :

Email: salvatore_gentile@alice.it