SSRIs in Pregnancy

[SeaBiscuit19]

Hi everyone
Just after some advice from from people who have experienced this
I was on Citalopram from about 10 years for anxiety and OCD (along with multiple rounds of CBT) and came off it beginning of this year, I was only on 10mg for ages after coming down from 20mg and have been absolutely fine since coming off it.
Since finding out I am pregnant (now 14 weeks) my anxiety and OCD (extremely obsessive thinking more than compulsions) have returned and completely smacked me in the face. I’ve tried just giving myself some time to see how I am but it took me until 2 days before my 12 week scan to get my booking appointment (I had to chase it and asked them to book it in because I kept being either told the wrong info or told I just needed to wait). So I have not long asked to be referred to perinatal mental health who have advised a 6-8 week wait just for an assessment. I have been given their number by the GP to chase this as I spoke to them feeling like I didn’t know what to do as I need help.
They are quite reluctant to prescribe me anything but I have heard mixed opinions about whether they are safe or not in pregnancy. Currently, I feel that my stress and anxiety levels are very high so won’t be good for me either.
I cry most days and just sit inside my head all the time and cannot focus or engage in anything. It’s affecting my work and home life. I usually love Christmas but this year I want to avoid it, I don’t know why.
Does anyone have any experience of taking Sertraline or SSRI in general during pregnancy?
my partner wants something that will help me but is also nervous about any risks.
thank you for any advice :)

I can't answer you properly because I've never taken SSRIs during pregnancy, but I have been on them myself several times over the years. I'm currently about to go back on them even though I'm TTC. I've done a lot of reading over the last six months, and have come to the conclusion that taking antidepressants during pregnancy is safe (in terms of physical safety for the baby. The risks of autism also seem relatively negligible. Of course the data isn't perfect). Personally I think that when you are stressed, that will have a bigger impact on a developing baby. Stress, depression, anxiety, can wreak absolute havoc with your body, and from the few studies on it overall I get the impression that a mother whose mental health is in good shape is overall better for a baby. Citalopram is also one of the safest to take. I also spoke to a psychiatrist and he said he would be happy to prescribe sertraline (I know not what you take, but also on the "safe" list) for TTC and pregnancy, if needed.

Another point is that the first trimester is where drugs are most likely to impact a developing foetus, now that you're in the second trimester the risk is much lower.

If you're suffering a lot, I would suggest to take it, especially that you know it works for you.

Best of luck OP, and congratulations xxx

Thank you so much for your lovely response. ❤️ xxx

The best website to get your information from is bumps. I send it to all my pregnant patients who are on SSRIs so they can make an informed decision. Generally SSRIs are safe in pregnancy but it's all about risk vs benefit.

https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Citalopram/

@RiderofRohan thank you!