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LostandLonleySoul said:
Larry,
well there are things that show physical things that can happen, but what about mental. I know that there are risks with the child at birth with oxygen and other things. I think that it would be better for me to remain off them until after the baby is born.

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Oh, absolutely true. If you can be off your meds through the rest of your pregnancy, that's excellent. I got the distinct impression (my gut reaction to your post) that there was some real concern about whether you really could manage that.

I didn't even want to talk, yet, about managing the birth period, because it's still far off. If you were on meds at the time of birth, your pregnancy is high risk, and extensive supports would need to be in place to manage your child, in case. The baby instantly begins withdrawal from the drugs, once the umbilical cord is cut. Plus, there may be effects of the drugs themselves. Your doctors would plan around all that. Some doctors have the mother withdraw from drugs just before birth, so that the baby doesn't experience the withdrawal syndrome after being born.

There isn't a whole lot of literature available to inform us about the development of children exposed to e.g. antidepressants during pregnancy. The information I've seen (and I search regularly) does not indicate any long-term adverse effects. The Motherisk program, supported by the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, has an excellent website. http://www.motherisk.org/

What seems to be of great importance, for the optimal development of the child, is the mother's mental health. And I think that applies during pregnancy as well as after birth. You go from being pregnant to being a full-time mother. Your baby needs your wellness after birth, too.

If it's worth anything, I'll send good vibes your way. And I wish for you and your child, all the best.

Lar