Use of antidepressants during pregnancy bad for baby's lungs

Use of antidepressants during pregnancy bad for baby's lungs

According to latest research if a woman takes antidepressants during the second half of her pregnancy, the infant has six times greater probability of developing a fatal lung disorder called persistent pulmonary hypertension.

The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine refers to the class of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which includes drugs like Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. The researchers interviewed the mothers of 377 babies born with the lung disorder and found that fourteen of them had taken the antidepressants. This was compared to a group 836 mothers who delivered healthy babies and only six out them took antidepressants.

Earlier studies have also related the use of antidepressants in late pregnancy to ailments like breathing problems, restlessness and reduced blood sugar levels in newborn babies. “This is the latest in a series of troubling reports of possible adverse effects of SSRIs on the fetus,” said Dr. James L. Mills at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development referring to the findings of the study.

There is however a silver lining to the findings. The threat posed by the antidepressants is relatively low - ninety-nine percent of the women taking antidepressants would give birth to babies free from the disorder. “If it's a true risk, it's very low,” said Christina Chambers of the University of California, one of the researchers who conducted the study.

Experts believe that the findings are not altogether alarming. “I would emphasize that this isn't a cause for panic among women who are taking these medications,” said Dr. Sandra Kweder, Deputy Director of the Food and Drug Administration's Office of New Drugs.

“For many women, the small risk suggested by this study may be outweighed by their own personal need for treatment of a mental health condition.” However, it has been advised that women should consult their doctors before taking the aforesaid antidepressants.