A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation during pregnancy, pooling 22 studies and approximately 380 pregnancies, found no signal of increased risk to mother or fetus. Outcomes assessed included preterm birth, congenital anomalies, birth weight, and neonatal complications.
Response rates for depression treatment during pregnancy were comparable to those in non-pregnant adults — roughly 50% — with no serious adverse events attributed to TMS in any of the included studies. Most patients had declined or had inadequate response to antidepressants and chose TMS specifically to avoid medication exposure.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is expected to update its perinatal depression guidance to incorporate TMS as a recommended option for patients who decline pharmacotherapy. Insurance coverage for pregnancy-specific TMS use is generally aligned with general depression coverage but varies by state and payer.
The authors note that the literature is dominated by smaller observational studies and that a large prospective registry would strengthen the evidence base. Such a registry has been proposed but funding has not yet been secured.
Source
Reporting based on coverage from Obstetrics & Gynecology. This article is editorial summary intended for general information; it is not medical advice.