When Quitting Antidepressants Hurts Mom and Baby 😢🤰

Pregnancy doesn’t magically cure depression. Yet countless mothers-to-be feel pressured to stop their antidepressants the moment they see a positive test, fearing harm to their unborn child. That well-meaning decision can backfire tragically.

At the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s Pregnancy Meeting in February 2026, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania unveiled a startling finding. They analysed health records of 3,983 pregnant patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety who were taking SSRIs or SNRIs before conception. Those who stayed on their medication had no more emergency visits before pregnancy than those who stopped. But once pregnant, women who discontinued their antidepressant were almost twice as likely to suffer a mental health crisis - suicide risk, overdose or psychosis - compared with those who continued treatment.

The study also underscores that SSRI use during pregnancy isn’t linked to birth defects, poor fetal growth or long-term developmental problems. Untreated depression, however, is tied to preterm birth, preeclampsia, low birth weight and - heartbreakingly - maternal mortality. In other words, protecting your mind protects your baby.

Why quitting feels tempting:

• Misinformation. Rumours about antidepressants causing harm spread faster than facts.
• Guilt. Mothers absorb the message that any medication is selfish.
• Lack of support. Some doctors still hesitate to discuss mental health, leaving women to make risky choices alone.

What to do instead:

• Talk to your care team. Obstetricians and psychiatrists can tailor treatment plans. Never stop medication abruptly.
• Prioritise mental health care. Therapy, support groups and safe medications are all part of prenatal care.
• Lean on community. MyEonCare’s network of parents and wellness professionals offers space to share fears without judgement.

Becoming a parent doesn’t mean sacrificing your wellbeing. It means modelling courage - asking for help, following evidence and choosing safety over stigma. Your future self and your child will thank you.

Source: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine news release on antidepressant discontinuation in pregnancy

Your health matters as much as theirs.