Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of major congenital malformations in a cohort of depressed pregnant women: an updated analysis of the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort.

Habitual use of antidepressants during pregnancy is tied to high risk of having babies with major congenital anomalies, such as cardiac, respiratory, and digestive defects.

​This research work reviewed data from previous studies that evaluated the effect of regular intake of antidepressants during pregnancy on the probability of having babies with major congenital anomalies, such as cardiac, digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory defects. Researchers used data extracted from 18,487 pregnant women. 

Researchers found a positive association between the use of antidepressant medications during pregnancy and increased risk of giving birth to babies with major congenital malformations. The findings of this study reveal that major congenital anomalies are more likely to occur in babies whose mothers were on antidepressants while pregnant.