The October 31, 2012 issue of Human Reproduction published an article from Harvard and Tufts Medical Centers stating that SSRI antidepressants should not be used in pregnancy because they lead to worsened pregnancy outcomes, have not been shown to be of benefit, and are massively overused in clinical practice. This family of drugs is associated with an elevated risk for miscarriage, preterm births, neonatal health complications and possible longer term neurobehavioral abnormalities such as autism.
Who in their right mind would take these drugs during pregnancy, and even worse, why would an MD prescribe them! Antidepressants are now the most commonly prescribed drug between the ages of 18 and 44, the childbearing years for most women. Sadly, 11% of women doing invitro fertilizations are prescribed these drugs and the data shows that they reduce the rate for pregnancy and for miscarriage.
Treatments recommended included cognitive behavioral therapy (psychotherapy), exercise, relaxation training, yoga, acupuncture, and nutritional supplements.
