TMS for Pregnant Women with Depression: A Safer Solution

Pregnancy is often a time of joy and anticipation, but for many women, it can also be fraught with emotional challenges, including depression.

The prevalence of depression during pregnancy underscores the need for safe and effective treatment options that prioritize both maternal and fetal well-being. In recent years, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerged as a promising therapy for depression, offering hope to pregnant women seeking relief from their symptoms while ensuring safety.

This blog will explore the role of TMS therapy as a safe solution for pregnant women with depression, delving into its efficacy, safety, and potential benefits.

Understanding Depression During Pregnancy

Traditional Treatment Options and Limitations

Traditionally, psychotherapy and medication have been the mainstays of treatment for depression during pregnancy. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help women develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to their depression. However, access to specialized therapists and the time commitment required for therapy sessions may pose challenges for pregnant women, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms or logistical barriers.

Medication, particularly antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is another common treatment option for depression during pregnancy. While SSRIs can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression, concerns about their safety during pregnancy have led many women and healthcare providers to seek alternative treatments.

Studies link SSRI use during pregnancy to potential risks, including an increased risk of preterm birth, neonatal withdrawal symptoms, and congenital abnormalities. These potential risks raise further concerns among expectant mothers.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a noninvasive alternative to traditional therapies. TMS delivers magnetic pulses to specific brain areas associated with depression, stimulating neural activity and promoting the release of neurotransmitters.

Unlike medication, TMS does not involve systemic substances, making it an appealing option for pregnant women concerned about the potential risks of medication on fetal development.

A 2019 literature review found TMS to show promise in reducing depressive symptoms in pregnant women, finding that low-frequency TMS is effective during the second and third trimesters.

During a TMS therapy session, you will wear a small headpiece. Then, an electromagnetic coil hovers above the front area of your head and starts transmitting the pulsating magnetic fields. This function is like that of an MRI, but on a much, much smaller scale. These magnetic pulses reach about two to three centimeters into the brain to activate neurotransmitters such as.

When a person has major depression, chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are typically out of balance. TMS helps bring everything back into order by only impacting the brain region directly beneath the treatment coil. It does not affect the entire brain.

One of the most critical advantages of TMS therapy for pregnant women is its favorable safety profile. Unlike medication, which can cross the placenta and affect fetal development, TMS targets specific brain regions without exposing the fetus to harmful substances.

Research on whether TMS during pregnancy affected kids' brain development found positive results. The researchers compared kids whose moms got TMS during pregnancy with those whose moms had depression but didn't get treated. Both groups had similar developmental outcomes, suggesting that TMS during pregnancy doesn't negatively impact children's cognitive or motor development.

Although substantial evidence endorses the safety of TMS during pregnancy, lingering concerns and misunderstandings persist. Expectant mothers may fear that the magnetic pulses might jeopardize the fetus's growth or trigger early labor. When administered by skilled professionals following proper protocols, TMS does not commonly present severe risks to pregnant women or their infants.

Although TMS therapy is generally well-tolerated, pregnant women should be aware of potential side effects and how to handle them during pregnancy.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:

• Temporary scalp discomfort
• Mild headaches
• Muscle twitches
• Feeling faint
• Tingling sensations

Severe side effects like seizures and hearing loss are rare but possible. Healthcare providers closely monitor pregnant patients during TMS sessions and quickly address any concerns or adverse reactions.

Specific contraindications, meaning any condition, symptom, or situation that makes a medical treatment unsafe, can deem a pregnant woman ineligible.

Contraindications include:

• Tattoos with magnet-sensitive ink or magnetic materials
• Cochlear implants
• Metal implants in the body
• Aneurysm clips
• Cerebral stents

Fortunately, pregnancy is not a contradiction, making most pregnant women eligible for TMS.

TMS therapy offers several benefits for pregnant women struggling with depression, making it a promising treatment option during pregnancy.

• Decreased Depressive Symptoms: TMS therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression in pregnant women, providing relief from debilitating mood disturbances and improving overall quality of life.
• Noninvasive and Medication-Free: TMS therapy is noninvasive and does not involve exposure to medication, minimizing the risk of adverse effects on the fetus.
• Potentially Rapid Relief: TMS therapy typically produces faster results than traditional treatment options such as medication or psychotherapy. Many pregnant women experience significant improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting TMS therapy, allowing them to regain a sense of normalcy and well-being.

With its favorable safety profile, rapid onset of action, and customizable treatment plans, TMS therapy provides hope to expectant mothers seeking relief from their symptoms while ensuring the well-being of their unborn child.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression during pregnancy, consider exploring Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy as a safe and effective treatment option that doesn’t require any medication or sedatives.

If you are struggling with depressive symptoms while pregnant, and live in the Wilmington, DE area, contact our local clinic today. At Brandywine Valley TMS, we help you prioritize your mental health during pregnancy and beyond, partnering with you on the journey toward a healthier and happier life.

Cited Sources:

Dubovicky, Michal et al. “Risks of using SSRI / SNRI antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation.” Interdisciplinary toxicology vol. 10,1 (2017): 30-34. doi:10.1515/intox-2017-0004

“Maternal depression and child development.” Paediatrics & child health vol. 9,8 (2004): 575-598. doi:10.1093/pch/9.8.575

Shah, Mansi R et al. “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder in Pregnancy: A Literature Review.” Cureus vol. 11,8 e5431. 19 Aug. 2019, doi:10.7759/cureus.5431

Eryılmaz, Gül & Hizli Sayar, Gokben & Özten, Eylem & Gül, Işıl & Yorbik, Özgür & İşiten, Nükhet & Bağcı, Eda. (2014). Follow-Up Study of Children Whose Mothers Were Treated With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation During Pregnancy: Preliminary Results: Children of rTMS-Treated Pregnant Women. Neuromodulation. 18. 10.1111/ner.12231