
Researchers found that infants who were exposed to antidepressants in the second or third trimester were on average 16 days slower to sit up without support and started walking almost a month later than babies who were not exposed to antidepressants. At 19 months there was no difference in motor skills between the two groups, but those who were exposed to antidepressants had more difficulty occupying themselves for more than 15 minutes at a time. The differences were most pronounced with boys.
The delays were still within normal developmental timelines and researchers say they are not sure if the delays are permanent or temporary, or even whether they are clinically significant.
This study, published in the March issue of Pediatrics, is the first to look at the impact of antidepressants on development after birth. Previous studies focused largely on how antidepressants impact fetal development.
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According to guidelines released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), women with severe depression should not stop taking antidepressants if they are thinking of becoming pregnant. Women with mild depression can consider gradually reducing their doses but should do so under the supervision of a doctor.