Methyldopa has long been considered a preferred antihypertensive for managing pregnancy-induced hypertension due to its established safety profile during pregnancy.
However, emerging evidence suggest that its effects may extend beyond blood pressure control.
A review published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy explored the potential association between methyldopa use during pregnancy and the development of postpartum depression(PPD) and maternal blues.
The authors proposed several mechanisms that may contribute to this risk, including:
- Reduction in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels.
- Increased prolactin release due to dopamine suppression.
- Altered cerebral blood flow.
- Impairment of neuronal function and reward pathways.
The review also highlighted studies reporting a higher incidence of postpartum depression among women who received methyldopa during pregnancy.
While these findings do not establish a definite causal relationship, they emphasize the importance of monitoring maternal health in women receiving antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy.
This serves as an important reminder that medication safety extends beyond physical outcomes and includes mental health outcomes as well.
Source article : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220303887
Do you think postpartum mental heath screening should be routinely integrated into the follow-up of women treated for pregnancy-induced pregnancy?
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