Antidepressants, Depression May Raise Risk of Premature Birth

Pregnant women with untreated major depression, as well as those taking certain antidepressants, had rates of premature birth greater than 20%, according to a new study published in the March 2009 issue of American Journal of Psychiatry.

The researchers followed 238 women with no, partial and continuous exposure to either depression or an SSRI antidepressant and then compared the outcomes. They found that women who were exposed to either continuous SSRI treatment or to continuous depression with no treatment had comparable levels of increased risk of preterm birth (21 and 23% respectively). Women with no depression or exposure to an SSRI during their pregnancies had lower risk of preterm birth at around 6%.

The researchers also found that neither depression nor treatment with an SSRI affected the baby's birth weight, the mother's weight gain during pregnancy or the rate of physical birth defects in the baby.

Study author Katherine L. Wisner noted that "...given the similarity in outcomes we found for continuous SSRI treatment and continuous depression, it is possible that underlying depressive disorder is a factor in preterm births among women taking SSRIs."

Wisner also noted that while the study adds more evidence linking SSRIs and preterm birth, untreated depression also brings its own risks. "The relationship of preterm birth to depression and SSRI exposure must be clarified through further research," said Dr. Wisner. "In the meantime, it is recommended that each pregnant woman consult with her doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of depression treatment with antidepressants."