[SSRI/SNRI Treatment During Preganancy and It´s Effects on Newborns]

In the past decade, the use of antidepressants in Iceland has increased rapidly. Given their widespread use, it is important to assess potential effects of SSRI/SNRI exposure during pregnancy on the newborn. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of SSRI/SNRI use at the time of delivery, the frequency of neonatal support or resuscitation, monitoring or admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and which clinical signs may possibly be linked to SSRI/SNRI exposure during pregnancy.

This was a retrospective comparative study, including all infants born at Landspítali in 2023 (n=3200). Infants born before 35 weeks of gestation were excluded. The study group consisted of infants whose mothers were on SSRI/SNRI treatment upon delivery, while the control group included all other infants in the study population. Additionally, infants admitted to the NICU were examined in more detail.

Out of 3069 infants, 336 (10.9%) were exposed to SSRI/SNRI treatment during pregnancy. The need for neonatal support was significantly higher in the SSRI/SNRI group (29.2%) compared with controls (14.6%). Similarly, NICU admission or monitoring was more common (19.4% vs. 13%). Other significant differences included higher rates of respiratory distress, lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and more frequent sepsis work-ups in the SSRI/SNRI group.

Infants exposed to maternal SSRI/SNRI treatment are more likely to require postnatal support, including oxygen therapy and respiratory assistance, as well as NICU care. Furthermore, these infants have lower Apgar scores at birth, and increased rate of sepsis work-up.