Depression is a prevalent condition in pregnancy affecting up to 13%
of women [1]. Untreated antenatal depression is associated with poor
self-care during pregnancy, risk of postpartum depression, risk of
impaired maternal–infant attachment and delays in infant development
when it persists into the postpartum period [2,3]. Available treatments
for depressive disorders include psychotherapeutic interventions and
antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin inhibitors
(SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Although psychotherapy may be
a reasonable treatment option for mild to moderate depression,
antidepressants are often required for the effective treatment of severe
maternal depression [4,5]. Recent estimates of antidepressant exposure
among pregnant women range from 3% to 13% [6,7].