Can Depression Affect A Pregnancy Test Result?

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No, depression can not directly affect a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests respond to the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). With the exception of rare cancers being the only conditions that alters HCG levels is pregnancy HCG levels are completely unaffected by depression.

There are some medications that can cause a false positive result on home urine pregnancy tests. While no specific depression medication is well-known to cause a false positive, it is not outside the realm of possibility that one might.

Other medications, including alprazolam and diazepam, are frequently prescribed in conjunction with depression medications and have been linked with false positive pregnancy tests.

Other psychiatric drugs, including clozapine and chlorpromazine, have also caused false-positives.

False negative tests are far more common than false-positive tests, and can also be affected by medications.

Most frequently though, the false negatives are caused by testing too soon or testing incorrectly.

Depression won’t affect a pregnancy test but it might affect a pregnancy.

Low birth weight, premature birth and developmental issues are all associated with depression in pregnancy.

Babies born to depressed moms may also be more anxious, less active and have a harder time paying attention as well.

In addition, most, if not all, depression medications cross the placenta and can affect an unborn baby.

Finally, postpartum depression (PPD) rates are higher in women who have suffered from depression during pregnancy. PPD can be debilitating and extremely dangerous to both the mother and the baby.

Whether you are pregnant now, or plan to become pregnant, it is important to discuss your depression treatments and medications with your doctor.

Together you can create a plan to take care of your body and your emotions during your pregnancy. He can also get you in touch with resources to care for and/or prevent PPD after your baby is born.