Is TMS Safe During Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women experience anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Many treatments are safe and effective for these conditions. Some women are hesitant to take medication during pregnancy. If you are struggling with mental health issues during pregnancy, you may be wondering if TMS therapy is a safe option. There is no evidence to suggest that TMS therapy is unsafe for pregnant women. Many women have found TMS to be a helpful treatment during pregnancy.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a six-week-long treatment therapy that is used to treat depression and can be used safely for pregnant women. TMS works by targeting a specific area of the brain with magnetic pulses to reactivate cells in the brain that have gone sluggish. It works by focusing on the brain to help relieve symptoms caused by depression. Studies have shown that TMS during pregnancy has no negative effects on the mother or the baby with “a recently published study looking at 26 children ages one to five years old, whose mothers had received TMS treatment during pregnancy, found there were no differences between the children born to women who had TMS during pregnancy and children born to women who did not undergo TMS.” Women who choose not to use antidepressants should consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a safe and effective treatment alternative.
How Does TMS Work?
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. This stimulation can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that does not require medication.
During your first TMS appointment, your doctor will determine the ideal stimulation intensity for your treatments and determine the placing for your magnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is placed over your head, creating a magnetic field around the portion of your brain that is responsible for mood regulation. The magnetic field resembles an MRI machine, but instead of reaching the entire brain it only reaches about 2-3 centimeters into the brain under the coil. While the magnetic fields go into the brain, they produce small electrical pulses which activate parts of the brain responsible for releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Depression is a consequence of a lack of these chemicals and TMS restores that balance, leading to relief in your depression. Patients typically start feeling better after 3 weeks of treatment, but sometimes sooner.
What are the Side Effects of TMS?
TMS side effects are uncommon. Some mild symptoms that might occur could include:
- mild headaches (most common)
- lightheadedness
- scalp pain
- neck pain
- tingling
- facial twitching
- sleepiness
- altered cognition during treatment
The most common side effect of TMS is headaches. Some people also experience dizziness, tingling, or discomfort at the site of the stimulation. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
What are the Risks of TMS?
There are no known risks of TMS therapy. The procedure is FDA-cleared and has been shown to be safe and effective.
If you are struggling with mental health issues during pregnancy, TMS therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor about whether TMS is right for you.
18 Benefits of TMS Therapy During Pregnancy
- TMS is a safe and effective treatment for depression during pregnancy.
- TMS does not require medication.
- TMS has few side effects and is generally well-tolerated by pregnant women.
- TMS is a non-invasive procedure with no known risks.
- TMS can be an effective treatment for depression that does not respond to other treatments, such as medication.
- TMS is covered by many insurance plans.
- TMS can be completed in a short amount of time, so it is convenient for busy women.
- TMS can help you feel better and improve your mood during pregnancy.
- TMS can help you bond with your baby during pregnancy.
- TMS can provide relief from the symptoms of depression and help you enjoy your pregnancy.
- TMS can help you sleep better during pregnancy.
- TMS can increase your energy levels during pregnancy.
- TMS can help you focus and concentrate during pregnancy.
- TMS can improve your overall mental health during pregnancy.
- TMS can help you feel more prepared for motherhood and the challenges of parenting.
- TMS can help you feel less alone and more supported during pregnancy.
- TMS can help you build a positive relationship with your healthcare provider.
- TMS can help you feel more confident and empowered during pregnancy.
If you are struggling with depression during pregnancy, talk to your psychiatrist about whether TMS therapy is right for you. TMS is a safe and effective treatment option that can help you feel better and enjoy your pregnancy.
