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Antidepressants not linked to birth problems: Study

Written by: QMI Agency
Jan. 2, 2013

(File Photo)

New research says taking antidepressants during pregnancy is safe for the child, despite numerous studies that suggests otherwise.

The use of antidepressants during pregnancy is controversial, with a number of studies linking them to birth complications and diseases. Researchers estimate between 9-17% of pregnant women are depressed.

The Swedish study found that pregnant women who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant, were more likely to have stillbirths, neonatal deaths and postnatal deaths. But, the researchers say it was other risk factors, not the drugs, that caused the complications.

The Karolinska Institutet study looked at 1.6 million births between 1996 and 2007. Of the almost 30,000 women on SSRIs, it was those who smoked, were older and had a history of extremely severe mental illness who lost their babies.

"Decisions regarding use of SSRIs during pregnancy must take into account other perinatal outcomes and the risks associated with maternal mental illness," the researchers said.

 

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