Sertraline and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you're pregnant and dealing with depression or anxiety, sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and OCD. Also known as Zoloft, it's one of the most studied antidepressants for use during pregnancy. But is it safe? And what does the data really show? This isn’t about fear—it’s about making informed choices with your doctor.

Many women worry that taking any medication during pregnancy could harm the baby. But untreated depression carries its own risks: preterm birth, low birth weight, and even complications during delivery. SSRIs, a class of antidepressants that includes sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram are often the go-to option because they’ve been tracked for decades in large studies. The FDA and major medical groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say sertraline is generally considered one of the safer choices among SSRIs during pregnancy. That doesn’t mean zero risk—some studies link it to a slightly higher chance of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN), but the absolute risk is still very low, under 1%. Other concerns like mild withdrawal symptoms in newborns (fussy crying, jitteriness) usually fade within days.

What about the long-term effects? So far, research hasn’t shown clear links between sertraline and learning delays, autism, or behavioral issues in children. A 2020 study tracking over 1,000 kids exposed to sertraline in utero found no difference in development at age 2 compared to unexposed kids. That’s reassuring, but every pregnancy is different. If you’re on sertraline and planning to get pregnant, don’t stop cold turkey. Sudden withdrawal can make anxiety or depression worse, which is riskier than staying on a stable dose. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your plan—maybe switching to a lower dose, adding therapy, or monitoring more closely in the third trimester.

It’s also worth noting that prenatal medication risks, the potential harm from drugs taken during pregnancy, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and pain relievers are often misunderstood. People hear "medication" and think "danger," but the real question is: what’s riskier—the drug or the untreated condition? For many women, sertraline helps them eat better, sleep better, show up for prenatal visits, and bond with their baby after birth. That’s not just safety—it’s care.

Below, you’ll find real, evidence-based posts that dig into medication safety during pregnancy, how to read drug alerts from the FDA, what side effects to watch for, and how to talk to your doctor about your options. No guesswork. No fearmongering. Just what you need to make the right call—for you and your baby.