Stopping Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Increased Mental Health Risk

February 13, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Pregnant women who discontinue antidepressant medication face nearly double the risk of a mental health emergency, including suicide attempts, substance overdoses, and psychosis, according to research presented this week at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting™ in Las Vegas.

The study, which examined de-identified records of nearly 4,000 pregnant patients from Independence Blue Cross, found that among 1,462 women with prescriptions for SSRIs or SNRIs before pregnancy, only about 17% continued uninterrupted treatment throughout their pregnancy. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia analyzed data from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

The increased risk of mental health emergencies was particularly pronounced during the first and ninth months of pregnancy, the data showed. Prior to pregnancy, there was no discernible difference in mental health-related outpatient or emergency room visits between those who continued their medication and those who stopped.

Mental health disorders are currently the leading contributor to maternal mortality in the United States, a trend that has prompted increased scrutiny of mental healthcare access for pregnant women. Untreated depression during pregnancy carries risks including preterm birth and preeclampsia, in addition to the immediate threat of suicide.

“Confusion about the safety of taking these drugs during pregnancy has led to mental health emergencies for some expectant mothers,” experts noted, though available data suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not associated with congenital anomalies, fetal growth problems, or long-term developmental issues.

The research highlights a critical gap in care, as discontinuation of antidepressants was common despite the known risks. Strategies to support continued antidepressant use during pregnancy may be essential to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, researchers stated.