Should Women Take Zoloft While Pregnant?

Rose says she’s battled depression for years, and she sought the help of her psychiatrist during this troubling time. She was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, exacerbated by stress, and it was reportedly due to the pregnancy. She was prescribed an antidepressant, and her obstetrician recommended Zoloft. Both of her doctors assured her that there was “only a small risk to the fetus,” but Rose wasn’t so convinced. She didn’t want to pose any unnecessary risk to her baby, even though she hadn’t yet heard of the many Zoloft side effects for pregnant women. She decided to research things herself and ultimately decided not to medicate—she didn’t want to take any chances with her unborn baby girl. “I just didn’t find in my research that anyone could conclusively say to me that it wouldn’t hurt her,” she said.

“I guess my biggest thing was, what if down the line we found out she had ADHD or a learning disability or something, and in the back of my mind I would think, ‘Is it because I took that medication?’ Being a mom, there’s so much guilt wrapped up in it anyway, I didn’t want anything to be existing that I could blame myself for anything happening to her,” Rose said. Unfortunately, other moms didn’t get that information. There’s plenty of research indicating that SSRIs while pregnant can lead to birth defects including autism and preterm birth. Women have to decide: Would they rather treat depression while pregnant or have a better chance at a healthy baby? 

According to researchers, the extent of her anxiety and/or depression is also a factor. Kathryn Hirst, the Director of the Maternal Mental Health Clinic at the University of California, says, “I think there’s a myth out there that the medications are inherently bad during pregnancy, when the reality is that depression and anxiety can be bad and cause significant problems in pregnancy and postpartum. Which is worse?” It’s a question every mother to be needs to ask herself and should be prepared to deal with any potential consequences. 

The Figures

It’s no surprise that pregnancy is stressful. Some women may experience anxiety and/or depression only during this time, even if they’ve never had these disorders before. Anywhere between 14 and 23 percent of women will experience some kind of pregnancy depression, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Currently, around 8 percent of women take antidepressants while pregnant. 

Studies show that SSRIs during the third trimester can increase the odds for pulmonary hypertension, and Paxil taken in the first trimester is linked to heart defects. Babies may also experience withdrawals. Going cold turkey on antidepressants, especially for a newborn, is tough. Some studies have also linked antidepressants to IQ issues, too, which may not show until later in life. 

Does Your Child Have SSRI Defects?

If you were given an SSRI medication while pregnant and your child has been diagnosed with a birth defect, you may have an SSRI legal claim. Visit the Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Depakote & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation and find out more. After you submit your story, an attorney will contact you if you have a case for a free SSRI claim review.