SMFM Statement on SSRI Antidepressants for Treating Depression During Pregnancy

The following statement is in response to the July 21 U.S. Food & Drug Administration Expert Panel on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) During Pregnancy. 

 As experts in high-risk pregnancies, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and its members are alarmed by the unsubstantiated and inaccurate claims made by FDA panelists concerning maternal depression and the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. SMFM strongly supports the use of SSRIs to treat depression during pregnancy, as recommended in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Clinical Practice Guideline #5: Treatment and Management of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum.  

Depression is a recognized medical condition requiring intervention and treatment. Pregnancy can worsen existing health problems, including psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Untreated or undertreated depression during pregnancy carries health risks, such as suicide, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight. Unfortunately, misinformation about depression and its treatment creates confusion and doubt among patients and the public leading to unnecessary barriers to care.  

As with all medications during pregnancy, the potential risks of antidepressants should be weighed against the benefits to maternal and fetal health. The available data consistently show that SSRI use during pregnancy is not associated with congenital anomalies, fetal growth problems, or long-term developmental problems. Evidence also shows that depression during pregnancy is the strongest predictor of postpartum depression, and discontinuing antidepressants is associated with a relapse of major depression.  

 SSRIs are an important treatment option for depression during pregnancy. SMFM encourages pregnant patients to discuss their depression treatment options with their physician based on the best available evidence-based medicine.  

#  #  #    

 About SMFM     
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), founded in 1977, is the medical professional society for obstetricians who have additional training in high-risk, complicated pregnancies. SMFM represents more than 6,500 members who care for high-risk pregnant people and provides education, promotes research, and engages in advocacy to reduce disparities and optimize the health of high-risk pregnant people and their families. SMFM and its members are dedicated to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes and assuring medically appropriate treatment options are available to all patients.     

Media Contact:  Greg Phillips, Director of Communications, press@smfm.org