A meta-analysis of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) use during prenatal depression and risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age

A previous epidemiological study has estimated the prevalence of prenatal depression at 12.4% in the United States in 2011 (Le  Strat et al., 2011). Prenatal depression has been associated with an increase in maternal mortalities, including substance abuse, suicidal ideation and postpartum depression (Miller et al., 2013). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the first-line antidepressants prescribed for the treatment of prenatal depression (Fleschler and Peskin, 2008), have been suggested to negatively impact upon the health of the fetus and neonate, with their use linked to preterm birth, heart defects and suboptimal fetal growth (Grote et al., 2010).

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders - August 14, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Xiaofeng Zhao, Qian Liu, Suxia Cao, Jianyue Pang, Huijie Zhang, Tingting Feng, Yajie Deng, Jing Yao, Hengfen Li Source Type: research