Antidepressants and Newborns

The chance of developing depression during a pregnancy is one in ten. Today, women are treated with a type of antidepressant that may increase their likelihood of having a pre-term birth. Recent studies show that babies of women who were given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during their pregnancy were born earlier and had a much higher chance of being admitted to intensive care unit. A research team examined the birth outcomes of babies born to 329 women who took SSRIs during pregnancy. In comparison to the other women, those who took SSRIs during pregnancy, their births happened generally 5 days earlier than planned and were twice as likely to deliver pre-term. Seizures, jitteriness, infections, jaundice and respiratory problems were other adverse effects seen among infants born to mothers taking SSRIs but birth weight and head circumference were not affected. These drugs are thought to be the safest type of antidepressant that can be taken during pregnancy. “Every single case should be considered individually, and the decision should be made by the woman and her ob-gyn and psychiatrist as to the best treatment for her.” stated Najaaraq Lund, M.D.