Risks Associated with SSRIs During Pregnancy
A collaborative study involving researchers internationally has revealed that pregnant women taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may face a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes. This increased risk persists even when accounting for maternal depression. Interestingly, the research also found that SSRIs might lower the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. These findings were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM.
The extensive population-based study indicated that pregnant women using SSRIs had a higher likelihood of gestational diabetes compared to those with depression who were not on medication. Conversely, women on SSRIs had a reduced risk of cesarean section, very preterm birth, and low or very low birth weight.
Among newborns, exposure to SSRIs correlated with lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, respiratory complications, and a greater likelihood of requiring neonatal care. Notably, there was no significant rise in the risk of major birth defects.
When comparing those who continued SSRIs during pregnancy with women who stopped the medication beforehand, the results showed that continuing SSRIs was linked to a decreased risk of late preterm birth and low birth weight. However, the concerns regarding early adaptation issues in newborns remained heightened.
Docent Heli Malm, the lead researcher, noted that the findings suggest SSRIs impact newborn adaptation independently of maternal depression. She emphasized the importance of tailored treatment decisions during pregnancy. “While managing depression is crucial, SSRIs seem to offer some protection against the risks of preterm birth, but close monitoring of both the pregnancy and newborn’s health is essential,” Malm remarked.
“The link we observed with gestational diabetes warrants deeper research to clarify the underlying causes and biological mechanisms,” she added.
Comprehensive Study Utilizing Registry Data
This research was a joint effort between the Research Center for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku in Finland and Columbia University. The study analyzed national registry data of over 1.27 million children born in Finland between 1996 and 2018.
The comparison involved mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy, those diagnosed with depression but not medicating, and women who had ceased SSRIs prior to conception. Sibling comparisons were also utilized to consider hereditary factors and environmental influences.
The primary aim was to discern whether the reported prenatal risks were due to the antidepressants themselves or the severity of maternal depression. The analyses took into account various indicators of depression severity.
