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Hi everyone,

Welcome to a new episode of The Illusion of Consensus podcast. Today we have on OBGYN Dr. Adam Urato who discusses the impact of prenatal antidepressant exposure on the developing fetal brain. He highlights a study that shows a significant difference in brain volumes, particularly in cerebral grey matter, in children exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. Dr. Urato emphasizes that this is not the first study to show such effects and that there is a growing body of research on the topic. He addresses the argument of confounding by indication and explains why it is not a valid critique of the literature.

Follow Dr. Urato on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AdamUrato1

Takeaways

* Prenatal exposure to SSRIs has been shown to have significant effects on the developing fetal brain, including alterations in brain volumes and connectivity.

* There is a growing body of research, including animal studies, that supports the negative impact of SSRIs on the developing brain.

* Confounding by indication is often used as a critique of the literature, but it does not negate the chemical effects of SSRIs on the fetal brain.

* Immediate effects of prenatal SSRI exposure include poor neonatal adaptation and behavioral changes in newborns.

* Long-term consequences of prenatal SSRI exposure are still being studied, but there is evidence of potential impacts on motor skills, language acquisition, emotional regulation, and a potential link to autism and ADHD. SSRIs have been linked to adverse effects on fetal development, including an increased risk of preterm births.

* There is mixed evidence regarding the connection between SSRIs and miscarriages.

* Counseling for pregnant women considering SSRIs should provide accurate information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

* The information ecosystem is corrupted by pharmaceutical industry influence, leading to a lack of transparency and misinformation.

* There is a need for caution when using herbal supplements during pregnancy due to limited research and potential risks. There are many unanswered questions and mysteries surrounding the effects of different foods and diets during pregnancy.

* The CDC and FDA's recommendations on COVID vaccines for pregnant women have raised concerns about the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.

* Pregnant women have been portrayed as victims of misinformation when expressing concerns about vaccine safety.

* We should be skeptical and informed about the risks and benefits of medications, especially during pregnancy. Synthetic chemical compounds can have consequences on fetal development and should be approached with caution.

* Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, can negatively impact obstetrical outcomes in pregnancy.

* Pregnant women should focus on maintaining a healthy diet and consider taking a basic prenatal vitamin.

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