Are Antidepressants Safe During Pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, you’re bombarded with a long list of things you shouldn’t do: drink caffeine, eat sushi or deli meat, have a glass of wine, smoke or do drugs. So, if you’re someone who typically takes an antidepressant, you may be wondering—is that safe?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and deciding whether or not to take an antidepressant during pregnancy is a decision best made with the guidance of a doctor. But you can educate yourself about the risks of taking your medication, as well as the risks of not taking it, and work closely with your healthcare provider to determine which choice is best for you. Here’s the information you’ll need.

Depression in Pregnancy

Depression affects approximately 1 in 10 pregnant women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Feeling sad every now and then is normal and to be expected, but depression is different. Signs of depression include: