Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Evidence-Backed Benefits

Depression is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, affecting approximately 1 in 7 women, according to both NHS and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates. While many women and healthcare professionals hesitate to use antidepressants during this critical phase, untreated maternal depression can pose serious risks to both the mother and baby.

Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) often presents with:

The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights that hormonal changes, stress, personal or family history of mental illness, and lack of support can trigger or worsen symptoms during pregnancy.

Several landmark cohort studies, including those published in The Lancet Psychiatry and JAMA Psychiatry, reveal that leaving depression untreated in pregnancy can lead to:

The NHS emphasizes early treatment to ensure both maternal well-being and positive fetal outcomes.

Antidepressants are medications designed to correct imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like serotonin and norepinephrine. The most commonly prescribed class during pregnancy are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which include:

These are generally considered first-line due to better safety profiles and years of observational data in pregnancy.

Studies show that antidepressants help stabilize emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and restore daily functioning, enabling mothers to eat, sleep, and engage in self-care—key factors for a healthy pregnancy.

A 2014 study in JAMA Psychiatry revealed that women with a history of recurrent depression who discontinued antidepressants during pregnancy had five times higher relapse rates compared to those who continued medication.

Contrary to popular fears, recent meta-analyses have shown that moderately treated depression with antidepressants results in:

Certain SSRIs (especially sertraline) have low transfer into breast milk, allowing mothers to safely continue postpartum treatment without stopping breastfeeding—an advantage emphasized in NICE (UK) and La Leche League recommendations.

A 2022 systematic review from PubMed revealed that adequately treated maternal depression is associated with:

No medication is completely without risk, but the relative risk of modern antidepressants is low, especially when weighed against the significant consequences of untreated depression.

Mild side effects may include nausea or sleep changes in the mother. In some infants, transient symptoms like jitteriness or irritability have been observed in the first week after birth, particularly with late-pregnancy exposure, but these are usually self-limiting and not clinically harmful.

Leading safety data from the MotherToBaby database and Cochrane reviews have consistently shown no strong link between SSRIs and:

The risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), although widely discussed, remains extremely low (1–2 in 1000 births) and is not considered a reason to avoid treatment in moderate-to-severe depression.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to adopt a shared decision-making approach, where the mother’s symptoms, personal history, preferences, and support system are factored into the treatment plan.

Recommended steps include:

According to NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services, antidepressants are often most beneficial when combined with talk therapy and family support.

Women planning to conceive should not abruptly stop their antidepressants. Sudden withdrawal can lead to rebound depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.

Consulting a healthcare provider early allows:

Research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology confirms that preconception mental health planning improves both maternal and neonatal outcomes.

For women with mild symptoms, non-medication options may also help:

However, these should not replace antidepressants in moderate-to-severe depression without medical guidance.

Pregnancy is a time of emotional, hormonal, and physical changes—and for some, these changes can trigger serious mental health challenges. While concerns about medication use are natural, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the benefits of antidepressant use when clinically indicated.

The risk of untreated depression often far outweighs the minimal risks posed by medications like SSRIs. With proper medical supervision, many antidepressants can be safely continued throughout pregnancy and postpartum, ensuring the health of both mother and child.

When in doubt, talk openly with your healthcare provider. Your mental well-being matters—not just for you, but for the healthy future of your baby.

Let me know if you’d like this converted into a patient education leaflet, social media post, or video script.