Recent Blog Articles

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Helping children make friends: What parents can do

Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?

Palliative care frightens some people: Here’s how it helps

Parents don't always realize that their teen is suicidal

Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps?
Women's Health
Expectant mothers can rest easier about taking antidepressants
- By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Research we’re watching
Some new research findings offer reassurance for pregnant women who take antidepressants. The large, far-reaching analysis found no indication that these drugs could interfere with their child’s future brain development or behavior.
The study, published online Oct. 3, 2022, by JAMA Internal Medicine, compared data from nearly 146,000 women who took antidepressants when pregnant with data from more than three million women who did not take these drugs during pregnancy. Researchers tracked the children’s health for up to 14 years. Unlike older studies — whose results were considered limited by various factors — the new analysis indicated antidepressant use during pregnancy wasn’t linked to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavior disorders, or problems with speech, language, learning, or coordination.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

Understanding Depression
Depression is more than a passing bout of sadness or dejection, or feeling down in the dumps. It can leave you feeling continuously burdened and can sap the joy out of once-pleasurable activities. In Understanding Depression, find out how effective treatment can lighten your mood, strengthen your connections with loved ones, allow you to find satisfaction in interests and hobbies, and make you feel more like yourself again.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!