In a typical catch 22 situation it has been found that some of the most common antidepressants have been linked to birth defects and miscarriage, yet some experts fear that leaving depressive symptoms untreated may have long-term consequences on the mother and on the unborn baby.
In 2003 13 percent of pregnant women in the US were prescribed antidepressants throughout their pregnancy. Doctors do try to avoid giving drugs to pregnant women but last year, a study showed that children whose mothers had been depressed while pregnant took longer to start smiling, talking and developing motor skills
However, evidence is also growing that SSRIs may harm foetuses. Whilst some studies have shown no such findings, others established a link between the increased chance of foetal heart defects and miscarriage.
In a situation like this, the best a Doctor can do is to help the patient weigh up the risks and benefits. A study released last year to help doctors do exactly that concluded that women who get pregnant whilst already on a course of antidepressants should consider the option of psychotherapy, especially in mild cases. They also recommend that doctors discuss the risks and benefits of taking SSRIs with women who become depressed during pregnancy.