Pregnancy, Depression and SSRIs... oh my!

Jamie Sorenson
Aug 25
3 min read

Most women don’t want to take a medication during pregnancy, and that’s totally fine. I’m more than happy to work with these birthing partners as well! It is important to recognize that pregnancy is a unique and transformative time in a woman's life, and the desire to avoid medications often stems from a deep instinct to protect both the unborn child and their own health. This sentiment is understandable, and many women prefer to explore alternative treatments or lifestyle changes to manage their mental health during this critical period.

Loving couple snuggles and enjoys pregnancy without complications of untreated depression.

The risk associated with SSRI exposure during pregnancy is very, very small. The potential risks include conditions such as poor neonatal adaptation syndrome, which is a temporary condition that can occur in newborns exposed to SSRIs. This syndrome manifests in about 20-30% of SSRI-exposed newborns and typically resolves within a few days without long-lasting effects. Another potential risk is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), which affects less than 1% of babies who were exposed to SSRIs in utero. While these risks are concerning, they are relatively rare compared to the complications that can arise from untreated maternal depression.

There are indeed risks associated with the use of SSRIs during pregnancy, but it is crucial to understand that these risks are significantly outweighed by the potential dangers of leaving maternal depression untreated. For mothers, untreated depression can lead to a multitude of serious complications, including:

an increased risk of preterm birth, which can have lasting implications for the health and development of the baby,

poor engagement with prenatal care, leading to missed opportunities for essential screenings and interventions that could benefit both mother and child,

a decreased ability to care for herself and other children, which can exacerbate any pregnancy complications that may arise, and

an increased risk of postpartum depression, which can further complicate the mother’s recovery and her ability to bond with her newborn.

For the baby, untreated maternal depression can lead to several negative outcomes, including:

an increased risk of depression later in life, as maternal mental health has a significant influence on a child's emotional and psychological development,

an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, which can affect the baby's overall health and development,

an increased risk of developmental delays, which can impact the child's ability to thrive and succeed in various aspects of life, and

a higher risk of NICU admission, indicating that the baby may require specialized medical care immediately after birth.

For women experiencing mild to moderate depression, there is generally a lower risk of complications, and many mothers can effectively manage their symptoms through therapy and lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness practices. However, for the many women who experience severe and/or treatment-resistant depression, the situation can be more complicated. In such cases, these women may decide that the benefits of taking a medication, such as an SSRI, outweigh the potential risks associated with its use during pregnancy. Ultimately, any choice made regarding treatment is valid, as long as the mother has access to all the correct information necessary to make an informed decision that is best for her and her baby.

For further information and resources, please visit: https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/fda-expert-panel-on-ssris-and-pregnancy/

#postpartum #womenshealth #depression #pregnancy #pregnant