Monthly Archives: July 2008

Does Depo-Provera Cause Mood Changes?

Depo-Provera (DMPA), also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective form of contraception that lasts for 3 months, and thus requires only 4 injections per year. DMPA contains a long-lasting form of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate that works as a contraceptive agent by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Potential side effects of DMPA include bone density loss, weight gain, and mood worsening. Although depression is listed in the packet insert as a side effect of the injection, available research addressing this side effect are limited and contradictory.

Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Linked to Infant Sleep Problems

The link between maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcome has been well-documented in the medical literature and reviewed on our website. A recent study published in the journal Early Human Development suggests that a mother's stress during pregnancy may also negatively affect her baby's sleep patterns.

Psychological Stress During Pregnancy and Risk for Stillbirth

Previous studies have suggested that prenatal stress may be associated with a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight (reviewed in Hobel et al, 2008). A recent study from Danish researchers has investigated the impact of psychological stress on risk for stillbirth.

Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Blood Clots in Postpartum Women

If a woman does not breastfeed following delivery, prolactin levels decrease and fertility returns to normal, and pregnancy is possible. Even if a woman decides to breastfeed, she should still use some form of contraception, as prolactin levels vary depending on individual breastfeeding styles. Women may be fertile and become pregnant even before the resumption of their menstrual cycles.