Taking SSRI’s While Pregnant Raises Premature Birth Risk

Scott Kappes

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A new study has linked antidepressant use during pregnancy to an increased risk of premature birth. Premature birth can be accompanied by a slew of health problems for the newborn. Antidepressants like Paxil and Zoloft, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, have also been linked to birth defects when taken during the first trimester. Studies have also suggested that newborns can experience intense and painful withdrawals when these medications are taken later in the pregnancy.

The new study examined about 200 pregnant women, of which about half suffered from depression. About half of these women took SSRIs throughout the entire pregnancy. The study showed that 23 percent of the women who took SSRIs gave birth to premature babies, while only six percent of those women who did not suffer from depression had babies born preterm.

Depression has also been linked to premature birth, and women suffering from depression should work closely with their doctor to weigh the specific risks and benefits of taking antidepressants during pregnancy.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the makers SSRIs claiming that the drugs caused birth defects and other serious injuries after being taken pregnant mothers.