Timing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk for preterm birth and related adverse events: with a consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Publication Title

The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians

Keywords

Pregnancy; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Premature Birth; Pandemics; Pregnancy Complications; COVID-19; Fetal Growth Retardation; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; wasghinton; isb; renton

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty around the safety of SSRIs for treating depression during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the use of SSRIs has been gradually increasing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We aimed to (1) characterize maternal depression rate and use of SSRIs in a recent 10-year period, (2) address confounding by indication, as well as socioeconomic and environmental factors, and (3) evaluate associations of the timing of SSRI exposure in pregnancy with risk for preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants among women with depression before pregnancy.

METHODS: We conducted propensity score-adjusted regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of PTB, LBW, and SGA. We accounted for maternal/pregnancy characteristics, comorbidity, depression severity, time of delivery, social vulnerability, and rural residence.

RESULTS: There were 50.3% and 40.3% increases in the prevalence rate of prenatal depression and prenatal SSRI prescription rate during the pandemic. We identified women with depression ≤180 days before pregnancy (

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an association between PTB/LBW and SSRI exposure is dependent on exposure timing during pregnancy. Small for gestational age is not associated with SSRI exposure.

Clinical Institute

Mental Health

Clinical Institute

Women & Children

Department

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Department

Pharmacy

Department

Infectious Diseases

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