What is the Safest Antidepressant During Pregnancy?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is generally considered the safest antidepressant during pregnancy based on extensive research data. Multiple studies involving over 20,000 pregnant women show sertraline has the lowest risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications compared to other antidepressants. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists specifically recommends sertraline as a first-line treatment for depression during pregnancy. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) are also considered relatively safe alternatives. However, untreated depression poses significant risks to both mother and baby, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any antidepressant during pregnancy to weigh individual benefits and risks.
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