Zoloft and Pregnancy: Third Trimester Concerns
There have been reports of fetuses being exposed to
Zoloft during the
third trimester of pregnancy developing complications that require hospitalization, respiratory support, and/or tube feeding. These newborns experienced a number of symptoms, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Lack of oxygen in the blood
- Feeding difficulties
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Constant crying.
Also, babies exposed to Zoloft late during pregnancy are at increased risk for developing persistent pulmonary
hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN is associated with significant complications and even death. Women who take
SSRIs, including Zoloft, after week 20 of pregnancy have a six-fold increase of delivering a baby with PPHN.
Zoloft and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts
If you are pregnant (or are thinking of becoming pregnant) while taking Zoloft, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Zoloft during pregnancy before making a recommendation. It is possible he or she may recommend reducing your
Zoloft dosage, or weaning you off Zoloft during the third trimester of pregnancy.
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