The Adverse Effects of Antidepressant Medication Treatments on the Offspring of Women with Perinatal Depression

Abstract

Background: Antidepressants are considered the first line of treatment of depression, which prevails during pregnancy and following child birth. Objective: This paper aims to review, synthesize, and discuss the available literature regarding the effect of using antidepressants during pregnancy/lactation on pregnancy outcomes as well as fetal and neonatal status. Whenever possible, we elaborate on the mechanisms behind these effects. Results: Use of antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with birth complications such as premature labor. These drugs cross the placenta and access the fetal circulation and organs, which is associated with congenital anomalies and impairment of motor and neurodevelopment during childhood. Antidepressants vary according their level of excretion in human milk; however, the literature on the effect of these drugs on nursing babies is controversial.