Can You Take Antidepressants While Pregnant?
Pregnancy can bring up a lot of feelings, like excitement, fear, hope, and uncertainty. If you’re someone who takes antidepressants and you’ve just found out you’re pregnant (or thinking about becoming pregnant), you might be feeling a wave of questions all at once: Is this medication safe for my baby? Should I stop taking it? What will happen to me if I do?
These are deeply personal, deeply valid questions, and you’re right for asking them.
At Talking Twenties, we talk to clients all the time who want nothing more than to protect their baby but are scared of what will happen if they stop taking the medication that helps them function. It can feel like an impossible decision, but the truth is that you don’t have to choose.
This blog is here to help clear up confusion, not add to it. We’ll walk through the most common questions people have about taking antidepressants during pregnancy, with real answers grounded in current research and compassionate care.
At Talking Twenties, we specialize in perinatal mental health, which means we get how complex this chapter can be. And we believe you deserve support that’s clinically sound and emotionally supportive, every step of the way.
Is it safe to take antidepressants during pregnancy?
The short answer is: many antidepressants are considered safe to take during pregnancy, especially when they’re prescribed and monitored by a provider who understands perinatal mental health.
What’s often missing from the conversation is this: Untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy can also pose serious risks to both the birthing parent and the baby. Research has linked untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy with complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, difficulty bonding with baby, and even increased risk of postpartum depression.
The goal isn’t to scare you either way. It’s to say this clearly: Your mental health matters during pregnancy and always.
Whether you stay on your current medication, adjust your dosage, or consider other options, you deserve support from a provider who will help you weigh the risks and the benefits with care and expertise.
What are the risks of taking antidepressants while pregnant?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about how medication might affect your baby, especially when every internet search seems to send you down a rabbit hole of worst-case scenarios. Let’s take a deep breath and talk through what the actual research says.
Some antidepressants have been studied in pregnancy more than others. Research finds that some of the most common risks include:
Withdrawal-like symptoms, like jitteriness, irritability, or feeding difficulties in the baby after birth. This only happens with a few antidepressants and is mild and resolves on their own.
Slight increase in risk for low birth weight or preterm delivery. Keep in mind that it’s important to note that untreated depression and anxiety also raise the risk for these same outcomes.
Rare potential concerns that are associated with specific medications or other health factors.
The absolute risk of these outcomes is generally low, and most people have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies while continuing antidepressants.
So while yes, there may be some risks associated with medication, there are also real, measurable risks to not treating a mental health condition. Ultimately, it’s not about choosing the “perfect” option. It’s about finding the safest and most supportive plan for both your baby and you.
What happens if I stop taking my antidepressants while pregnant?
If you’re thinking about stopping your medication cold turkey, it’s important to understand what that decision could mean for your mental health.
Suddenly stopping antidepressants could cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, brain zaps, or mood swings.
But it’s not just about short-term side effects. If you’ve been feeling stable on your medication, stopping it without a plan could increase the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms, especially during a time when your body and hormones are already going through major changes.
Your mental wellness isn’t a luxury. It’s part of your prenatal care.
If you’re considering stopping your meds, don’t go it alone. A provider trained in perinatal mental health can help you talk through your concerns, weigh the risks, and come up with a plan that keeps you well both physically and emotionally.
Are there certain antidepressants that are safer during pregnancy?
Yes, some antidepressants have been studied more extensively during pregnancy and are generally considered lower risk.
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly prescribed during pregnancy because they have a relatively strong safety profile. Others, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or citalopram (Celexa) may also be considered depending on your history and needs.
That said, there really isn’t a perfect medication, and what’s safest for you might not be safe for someone else. The medications you take during pregnancy will depend on:
Your mental health history
How you’ve responded to medications in the past
Any side effects you’ve experienced
How far along you are in your pregnancy
Other medical conditions or medications you’re taking
Most often, the best decision is to stay on the antidepressant that’s already working for you, because stability matters. The safest plan is the one made with a provider who sees the whole picture: your mental health, your pregnancy, and your life.
What if I’m already pregnant and didn’t plan ahead?
First of all, take a breath. You’re not behind, and you haven’t failed. Many people find out they’re pregnant while already on antidepressants, and it’s totally okay if you didn’t have a plan in place beforehand.
Here’s the good news: You still have options.
The most important thing you can do now is talk to a provider who understands both mental health and pregnancy. At Talking Twenties, we regularly work with people who are navigating these questions mid-pregnancy or even in the postpartum period. We’ll meet you where you are, no judgment.
I’m scared of being judged. What if people think I’m a bad mom?
We want to be very clear: Needing mental health support doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human.
So many of the people we work with feel torn between what they need and what they think they’re “supposed” to do. There’s this pressure to be glowing, grateful, and perfectly put-together during pregnancy and postpartum, even when you’re barely holding it together.
Whether the judgment is coming from others or from that little voice in your own head, it’s hard. But the truth is, caring for your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. When you feel supported, rested, and regulated, you’re more able to bond, connect, and show up as the parent you want to be.
Do I need to tell my OB or midwife if I’m taking antidepressants?
Yes, it’s important to let your pregnancy care provider know if you’re taking antidepressants or planning to start or stop them. Not because they’ll judge you, but because your providers need to be on the same page to give you the best care possible.
Pregnancy and mental health are deeply connected. When your providers know what medications you’re taking, they can:
Monitor for any changes or side effects
Coordinate care across your mental and physical health
Prepare for delivery and postpartum planning
Help you create a safer, more supported experience
If you’re nervous to bring it up, that’s understandable, especially if you’ve had providers in the past who dismissed or minimized your concerns. But the right care team won’t shame you for taking care of your mental health. Instead, they’ll work with you.
You deserve collaborative care where your mental health isn’t treated like a side note. Your well-being should be a priority at every stage of pregnancy, not an afterthought.
Caring for Your Baby Starts with Caring for You
Pregnancy can feel like a constant balancing act. You’re trying to protect your baby, take care of yourself, and make the best decisions with limited information, all while your body and emotions are changing daily.
If you’re on antidepressants or considering starting them, know this: You are not selfish for wanting to feel better. You are not weak for needing support. And you are absolutely not alone.
Taking antidepressants during pregnancy isn’t a black-and-white issue and it shouldn’t be treated like one. What matters most is that your care plan is safe, informed, and made with someone who sees you as a whole person, not just a checklist of risks.
At Talking Twenties, we specialize in this kind of care. We’re a psychiatric nurse practitioner-led mental health practice serving patients in Oregon and Washington, with a deep commitment to perinatal mental health. Whether you continue your medication, switch to a different one, or explore therapy instead, we’re here to help you every step of the way.