Antidepressants during pregnancy do not pose risk to unborn child

Women who take antidepressants during pregnancy do not appear to be at greater risk of giving birth to children with congenital heart defects compared to women who are not exposed to the drugs, according to new research from UCL. The study, which analysed data from over 200,000 pairs of women and children in the UK between 1990 and 2011, showed that other characteristics, including diabetes, a body mass index of more than 30 and a history of alcohol and drug use did pose a greater risk of having a baby with congenital heart problems. These factors were also found to be more prevalent among women who had received antidepressants. Lead author, Dr Irene Petersen (UCL Department of Primary Care & Population), said: "Women often receive conflicting messages on whether they should continue taking antidepressants during pregnancy and many women may discontinue antidepressants in pregnancy because they fear adverse effects on their unborn child. "Our research adds to the ongoing debate on whether these drugs cause congenital heart anomalies, and we have found no evidence to any such effect. However, health care professionals should counsel women on other risks contributing to congenital heart anomalies in children such as age, weight, diabetes, alcohol problems and illicit drug use." The findings are particularly significant as some previous studies have suggested there is a link between SSRIs (the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in pregnancy) and congenital heart anomalies.