Are Antidepressants Safe During Pregnancy?
Why Managing Depression in Pregnancy Matters
Managing depression during pregnancy helps both the parent and the developing baby. Untreated depression can make it hard to keep up with prenatal checkups or eat healthy foods. Daily tasks and caring for the family can feel overwhelming.
Untreated depression during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and slow growth before birth. Babies may also face problems after they are born. Parents with depression may have a higher risk of postpartum depression and difficulty bonding with their babies.
Are Medicines for Depression Possible During Pregnancy?
People can use medication to treat depression during pregnancy. The decision involves weighing the risks of antidepressants against the risks of untreated depression. Most of the time, the risk of birth defects from these medicines is low.
Some depression medicines carry higher health risks for the baby. Health professionals often choose one medicine at the lowest effective dose, especially in early pregnancy, to keep the baby’s exposure as low as possible.
Other treatments, like talk therapy and physical activity, also help. Working with a counselor and doing doctor-approved exercises can support mental health during pregnancy.
Which Depression Medicines Can Be Used When Pregnant?
Certain antidepressants are generally safer choices during pregnancy. Here is a breakdown of common options:
| Type of Antidepressant | Key Notes |
|---|---|
| SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) | Commonly used; may slightly raise the risk of high blood pressure or early delivery. One SSRI in this group is avoided due to possible links to heart issues in the baby. |
| SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) | Sometimes used; may increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. |
| NDRIs (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors) | Not typically a first choice; possible small risk of miscarriage or heart problems. |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants | Less commonly used; certain types may increase the risk of birth defects, especially involving the heart. |
The choice depends on the person’s health history and response to medicines. Doctors and patients should decide together which medicine is best.
Could the Medicine Cause Other Issues for the Baby?
Using antidepressants late in pregnancy may lead to mild, short-term symptoms in newborns. These can include jitteriness, irritability, feeding difficulties, or mild breathing problems. These effects typically last from a few days up to two weeks.
Stopping antidepressants just before birth does not appear to lower the chance of these symptoms. In fact, discontinuing medication close to delivery may increase the risk of postpartum depression, especially for individuals with a history of severe depression. Current research on a possible link between antidepressant use during pregnancy and autism in children is inconclusive. Most studies suggest the risk is either very low or not present, though further research is ongoing.
Some studies have found that certain prescription antidepressants—such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)—might raise the risk of gestational diabetes. However, most research does not show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase this risk. This topic continues to be studied. Common short-term symptoms in newborns after antidepressant exposure:
- Jitteriness
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Mild breathing problems
Should You Switch Depression Medicines While Expecting?
Deciding whether to continue the same antidepressant or switch to another depends on how well depression is controlled. Making changes requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits. Key things to consider:
- Changing medicines might not work, and depression can return if left untreated.
- Some medicines are less safe during pregnancy, while others pose a smaller risk.
- Talk with a healthcare professional before making any changes.
A healthcare team can help plan what is safest for both the parent and the baby.
Understanding Your Choices
If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant and have depression, talk with a healthcare professional. They can explain the pros and cons of continuing, starting, or changing antidepressant medicines. Each person’s situation is unique.
Simple Steps to Take
- Talk openly with your doctor about your depression and any medicines you use.
- Weigh the risks of untreated depression against the known risks of antidepressants.
- Ask about other treatment options, such as therapy or safe exercises.
- Make decisions with your healthcare team, using the latest information.
The goal is to find a plan that helps the parent feel well during pregnancy and gives the baby the best chance to grow and develop in a healthy way.
