[The risks of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor intake in pregnancy]

Abstract

Depression in pregnancy is common and may have serious consequences for the mother and foetus when untreated. In this review, we discuss selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) intake in pregnancy, which has been associated with increased risk of several unwanted events. However, the evidence indicating a causal relationship between the intake of SSRI in pregnancy and most investigated outcomes is of very low certainty. Confounding by indication likely accounts for most of the observed correlations. If, for any outcomes, an increased risk exists, the number needed to harm is high, and the clinical significance is unclear.