Researchers are continuing to investigate the use of mental health medications during pregnancy. The risks associated with taking medication during pregnancy depend on the type of medication and the stage of pregnancy. While no medication is considered universally safe during pregnancy, untreated mental disorders can also pose risks to the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
Pregnant people and health care providers can work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that considers individual needs and circumstances. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks associated with all available treatment options, including psychotherapies, medications, brain stimulation therapies, or a combination of these options. Health care providers may closely monitor a person’s physical and mental health throughout pregnancy and, after delivery, pay particular attention to signs of perinatal or postpartum depression.
Certain medications taken during pregnancy—including some benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications—have been linked with birth defects, but the risks vary widely and depend on the specific medication.
Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. Antidepressant medications can cross into the placenta and may reach the fetus, but the risk of birth defects and other problems is very low. Some studies have found an association between third-trimester SSRI exposure and certain symptoms, including breathing problems, in newborns. However, the FDA does not find sufficient evidence for a causal link and recommends that health care providers treat depression during pregnancy according to the person’s specific needs.
Visit the FDA website for more information about medications and pregnancy .
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