Exposure to tricyclic antidepressant or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not associated with either congenital malformations or developmental delay.
Exposure during pregnancy is associated with earlier delivery and lower birth weight.
For the most part no increased risk of major congenital malformations associated with first trimester exposure to antidepressants, although a Swedish report of 1.5-2.0 fold increases in cardiovascular malformations to first trimester exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine.
Between 10% and 20% of pregnant women experience depression during pregnancy.
Increased use of antidepressants during pregnancy up to 13.4% of patients in 2003 (Cooper WO).
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy may contribute to an increased risk of septal heart defects, preterm delivery, low 5 minute Apgar score and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (Yonkers KA).