Experts Emphasize Safety of SSRIs During Pregnancy

Amid FDA scrutiny, medical groups say evidence shows antidepressants pose little risk to mother or baby.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:36pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the intricate structure of a fetal brain, conveying the complexity of fetal development and the need for balanced, evidence-based care during pregnancy.Amid renewed scrutiny, medical experts emphasize the safety of antidepressants for pregnant women and the risks of untreated maternal depression.Cleveland Today

Amid renewed FDA scrutiny of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, leading medical organizations have emphasized that the evidence shows SSRIs are safe for use by pregnant women. Experts say the potential risks of untreated maternal depression outweigh the minimal risks associated with SSRI use.

Why it matters

The FDA panel's critical stance on SSRIs in pregnancy contradicts existing evidence-based guidelines from major medical groups. This debate could discourage pregnant women from seeking needed mental health treatment, putting both mothers and babies at risk.

The details

The FDA convened a panel last July to review the benefits and risks of antidepressant use in pregnancy. The panel largely emphasized potential SSRI risks, despite only one reproductive psychiatrist being represented. In contrast, professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have stated that robust evidence shows SSRIs are safe in pregnancy and do not increase the risk of birth defects or long-term developmental problems.

  • The FDA panel met in July 2026 to discuss SSRI use in pregnancy.
  • ACOG, APA, SMFM, and NCRP have issued statements in recent months emphasizing the safety of SSRIs during pregnancy.

The players

Kay Roussos-Ross, MD

A reproductive psychiatrist from the University of Florida who was the only panel member to emphasize the risks of untreated maternal depression.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

A professional organization that has stated the evidence demonstrates SSRIs are safe in pregnancy and do not increase the risk of birth defects.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)

A professional organization that has emphasized treatment decisions should weigh the potential risks of medication exposure against the risks of untreated maternal illness.

National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry (NCRP)

An organization that has stated current studies do not support a causal relationship between prenatal SSRI exposure and congenital malformations or autism.

Susan Hatters Friedman, MD, MSt, DFAPA

A forensic and reproductive psychiatrist at Case Western Reserve University who co-authored this article.

Eric J. Reed, MD

A psychiatrist at Case Western Reserve University who co-authored this article.

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What they’re saying

“The available data consistently show that SSRI use during pregnancy is not associated with congenital anomalies, fetal growth problems, or long-term developmental problems.”

— Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

“Current studies 'do not support a causal relationship between prenatal SSRI exposure and either congenital malformations or autism spectrum disorder.'”

— National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry

“For a pregnant individual experiencing a major depressive episode or anxiety disorder, treatment decisions necessarily involve navigating risk. Discontinuation of mental health treatment during pregnancy, often due to fear or stigma, is a known factor in maternal suicides.”

— National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry

What’s next

The FDA is expected to issue updated guidance on the use of SSRIs during pregnancy in the coming months, based on the panel's recommendations.

The takeaway

While the FDA panel raised concerns about SSRI use in pregnancy, leading medical organizations maintain that the evidence shows these medications are safe and the risks of untreated maternal depression outweigh any potential harms. Clinicians should focus on providing balanced, evidence-based guidance to help patients make informed decisions about their mental health care.