[SSRI antidepressant use during pregnancy and the assessment of the risk-benefit ratio]

Studies report that between 6 and 13% of women experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The abundant data available make selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) the first line treatment in pregnancy when a pharmacological treatment is required. Risks associated with the use of SSRIs during pregnancy are limited (moderate effect size) and are often not distinguishable from those inherent to the mother's disease. Yet, several questions regarding the SSRI safety profile for the unborn child are still under debate or require additional epidemiological data. The decision of SSRI use during pregnancy needs an individual evaluation of the risk-benefit balance.

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