Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, a condition that can significantly affect their daily lives. For many, treatment with antidepressants is an effective solution to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

However, the use of antidepressants during pregnancy raises concerns about their impact on fetal health.

With conflicting reports on the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy, a systematic review was conducted to investigate their impact on fetal health.

Methodology

The review involved analyzing several studies published in various academic journals. Several search engines such as Scopus, PubMed, and Embase were used to identify relevant studies.

The keywords used were “Antidepressants and Fetal Health.” The articles were screened based on their title, abstract, and full text. The study included articles written in English and published between 2000 and 2021.

Results

Several studies have investigated the impact of antidepressants on fetal health, including preterm birth, small for gestational age, congenital malformations, and low birth weight.

The findings showed that exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, especially if taken for a long time. There was also an increased risk of the child being small for gestational age.

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The studies did not show any significant increase in the risk of congenital malformations, but there was some evidence that certain antidepressants, such as paroxetine, may increase the risk.

Meanwhile, the use of antidepressants during pregnancy does not appear to affect birth weight.

Discussion

The findings suggest that women who take antidepressants during pregnancy are at an increased risk of preterm birth and having a small baby. However, the absolute risk is relatively low in most cases.

While some studies suggest that the use of certain antidepressants may increase the risk of congenital malformations, the evidence is still limited, and more research is required in this area.

Clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of using antidepressants during pregnancy. Women should discuss their mental health history and treatment options with their healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The systematic review highlights the potential risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy. However, the absolute risk is relatively low, and clinicians should weigh the benefits and risks to make an informed decision.

More research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy on fetal health.