Antidepressants During Pregnancy

Safety of Depression Medications Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac Questioned

Oct 28, 2009

Research shows Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac can increase baby's risk of heart defects, preterm birth, trips to the NICU and lower Apgar scores.

Now there is even more reason to consider the effects of antidepressants during pregnancy and whether or not they are safe for you and your baby.

Approximately 15% of expectant women have depression symptoms during their pregnancy and about 13% of women report taking antidepressants during pregnancy. Some studies show that antidepressants can be beneficial to mothers; however, new research calls into question the baby's safety.

Research Shows Link Between Antidepressants and Heart Defects

The September 2009 issue of the British Medical Journal includes new research on women taking antidepressants in their first trimester. Specifically, the family of medications that participants were taking during pregnancy are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Trade names of these SSRI's include Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac.

Even though the overall risk was low, mothers who took more than one SSRI in their first trimester increased their baby's risk of having a heart defect that was four times greater than mothers who did not take antidepressants.

The specific heart defects that were more likely to result from taking SSRI antidepressants are known as septal heart defects. This type of defect causes the wall between the right and left side of the baby's heart to grow improperly. In some cases, septal heart defects will correct themselves and in other instances, surgery is required.

SSRIs May Increase Baby's Risk of Preterm Birth, Lower Apgar and NICU Admission

Additional risk from depression medication was found when babies were exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Researchers found that babies who were exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy were more likely to be admitted to the NICU, have a five minute Apgar score lower than eight and were more likely to be preterm at birth.

Researchers recommend "increased awareness to the possible effects of intrauterine exposure to antidepressants."

Experts Caution Against Abruptly Stopping Antidepressant Use

What if you just found out that you are pregnant and you are taking depression medications such as Prozac or Zoloft? Is it safe to stop taking your depression medication? Expectant mothers who are taking antidepressants during pregnancy should be strongly urged to talk with their care providers and or a mental health professional prior to stopping antidepressants during pregnancy.

Your care provider may recommend a gradual reduction of SSRI antidepressants; however, any treatment plan should be done under the guidance of your physician. In some situations, stopping depression medications abruptly once you have started taking them can result in severe symptoms of depression that are not safe for mother or baby.

Chambers, C "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and congenital malformations" , British Medical Journal, September 2009.

Dietz, P "Clinically Identified Maternal Depression Before, During and After Pregnancies Ending in Live Births", American Journal Of Psychiatry, October 2007.

Lund, N "Selective serotonin reuptake inihibitor exposure in utero and pregnancy outcomes" Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, October 2009.

The copyright of the article Antidepressants During Pregnancy in Prenatal Health is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Antidepressants During Pregnancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.