Two Studies Look at Antidepressants and Pregnancy

What This Means to You

These latest studies are just two of the many that have been — and will continue to be — done on the possible links between antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. And different studies may come to different conclusions.

For example, various previous studies have found that newborns of mothers who took certain SSRIs while pregnant may develop symptoms of withdrawal a few days after birth (such as shaking, gastrointestinal problems, sleeping disturbances, and high-pitched crying), persistent pulmonary hypertension (a serious lung condition), and/or heart defects.

But untreated depression can be hazardous for both the expectant mother and her baby. Why? For one, a depressed pregnant woman may be less able to take care of her baby during the pregnancy and after the birth. And some studies have shown that pregnant women who aren't treated for depression may be at risk for other health problems.

Another recent study showed that pregnant women who stopped taking their depression medication were five times more likely to have a relapse (to become depressed again) than those who kept taking their medicine throughout the pregnancy.

If you're pregnant and depressed, don't hesitate to get the help you need. Your doctor (or other health care provider) can help you carefully weigh the risks and benefits of individual medications and devise a treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to your situation, pregnancy, and medical history.

If you're trying to conceive or just found out you're expecting, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about all of the over-the-counter and prescription medications you’re taking to make sure they're safe to continue during your pregnancy. And don't stop taking any previously prescribed medications without talking to your doctor first.

Sources: "Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy and the Risk of Birth Defects" and "First-Trimester Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Birth Defects," New England Journal of Medicine, June 28, 2007.