Antidepressants taken during pregnancy can cause lung problems in babies

Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may increase risk for lung problems in babies, according to new research, CBS News reports.

Canadian researchers pulled seven studies from a pool of about 3,000 that looked at breathing difficulties in newborns associated with antidepressant use.

The breathing problems, called persistent pulmonary hypertension, occur when high blood pressure in the lungs prevents oxygen from moving to the lungs through the rest of the body. Symptoms include rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing and a blue tint to the skin.

It can be a very serious condition that causes both immediate and long-term health problems, according to NYU Langone Medical Center.

The researchers found a small but significantly increased risk for the lung condition in infants who were exposed to SSRIs (antidepressants of 3rd generation) during later stages of pregnancy after 33 weeks.

Exposure to the medication in early pregnancy was not linked with this added risk.

In January 2013, researchers found SSRI antidepressants won’t raise risk for stillbirth or infant death.

Some experts questioned that review’s conclusion, pointing out that depression itself could be harmful to both mom and the developing baby.

Untreated depression may lead to poor eating, not enough weight gain during pregnancy, trouble sleeping, missed appointments and increased substance abuse risk. Problems during pregnancy or delivery, and risk for premature birth is also increased.

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