A meta-analysis of the relationship between antidepressant use in pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the relationship between antidepressant use in pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB).Data Sources and Study SelectionWe searched English and non-English language articles via PubMed, CINAHL and PsychINFO (from their start dates through December 1st, 2012). We used the following keywords and their combinations: antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), pregnancy, antenatal, prenatal, birthweight, birth weight, preterm, prematurity, gestational age, fetal growth restriction, intrauterine growth restriction, and small-for-gestational age. Published studies were considered eligible if they examined exposure to antidepressant medication use during pregnancy and reported data on at least one birth outcome of interest: PTB (<37 weeks gestation) or LBW (