A recent study shows that women who took certain prescription antidepressants during their pregnancies had a higher rate of birth defects in their newborns. Some of the medications included in this study were Paxil, Prozac and SSRIs.

The study focused on medications given early in the pregnancy, which created a higher risk for certain defects in the newborn. For instance, Prozac or fluoxetine was linked with anomalous pulmonary venous return. The study showed the risk for this condition more than doubled in mothers given the medication. Venlafaxine, which is Effexor, showed a higher risk for defects to the oral cleft, along with gastroschisis and neural tube defects as well as heart defects.

Prescriptions for antidepressants with pregnant women are more common than might be expected. The study showed that up to 8 percent of pregnant women have been prescribed these medications. Researchers accounted for the underlying mental health conditions when studying the effects of the medications. According to the researchers, the results from the study indicate that the birth defects may occur because of the medications, but further research must be conducted to gain a full assessment.

Evidence provided for the use of antidepressants indicates that the effects of the medications is less severe than the effects of untreated depression, according to some scientists. However, it is hoped that the study will trigger more discussions between the doctor and mother about the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.

Details of the Study

The study used data from 1997 to 2011 through the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. The researchers compared data from mothers who had babies with defects and those that had none. Those who participated in the study self-reported when they used the medications, how frequently, duration of use and when they stopped taking the medications.

Babies who had genetic disorders were eliminated from the study along with others who had abnormalities not related to the study. Adjustments were made for race, ethnicity, BMI, alcohol or tobacco use. When the study was completed, it showed that 30,630 mothers had a baby with a birth defect. Around five percent had used antidepressants early in their pregnancy.

Of those women with birth defects in their babies, they were more likely to be older and have had at least one other living child. They were more likely to be non-Hispanic white and to have used alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy.

The research was conducted by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in Atlanta along with specialists who came from JAMA Psychiatry. Over 40,000 participants were included in the study. Researchers recommend that doctors discuss these risks with their patients along with the benefits of taking the medications. It is important that patients and doctors make informed decisions together for the health of the mother and the infant.

More research is needed to determine future guidelines on these medications in use by pregnant women. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for health concerns when considering pregnancy or while pregnant.