Tinelle Windham, a lawyer living in southern Maryland, struggled with intrusive thoughts and panic attacks during her first three pregnancies. When a doctor recommended she start taking Zoloft, an antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), during her second pregnancy, she was hesitant. Concerned about potential side effects and the impact on her baby, Windham decided to tough it out without medication.
This decision to forego antidepressants is not uncommon among pregnant individuals dealing with anxiety and depression. Many opt to avoid or discontinue antidepressants due to fears of harming their developing babies. However, experts caution that the risks of untreated mental illness, particularly during pregnancy, often outweigh the small and uncertain risk of harm from antidepressants. In fact, mental health conditions, including suicides and drug overdoses, have become the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, according to a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite these concerns, a recent discussion hosted by the Food and Drug Administration focused heavily on the risks of SSRIs during pregnancy. The panel of experts invited to the discussion consisted mainly of clinicians and researchers with a history of skepticism towards antidepressants, some of whom may have financial interests in promoting this skepticism. This narrow focus on risks may have overshadowed the benefits of antidepressant treatment for pregnant individuals struggling with mental health issues.
It is essential for pregnant individuals to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits of antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. While concerns about medication safety are valid, untreated mental illness can pose significant risks to both the individual and their baby. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and mental health providers can help pregnant individuals make informed decisions about managing their mental health during pregnancy.