Pregnancy has been thought to be protective against psychiatric disorders; however, there has not been a study done of women with depression who stop their medication while pregnant. In this study of 201 women, 68% of the women who stopped their medication had a relapse of major depression during the pregnancy, compared with 26% of those who continued their medication. It does not appear that pregnancy is completely protective with respect to the risk of a relapse of major depression. Women and their doctors need to be aware of this risk. This risk needs to be weighed against any risk to the fetus and newborn of exposure to antidepressant medications.
Cohen LS et al. Relapse of major depression during pregnancy in women who maintain or discontinue antidepressant treatment. JAMA 2006 Feb 1; 295:499-507.
