Motherisk update: Risks of untreated depression during pregnancy

Question. One of my patients who was taking an antidepressant for major depression is now pregnant and does not wish to take it any more. I believe she needs to continue her medication. She, however, is adamant about stopping it because she believes it would put her baby at risk. Is there evidence that not treating depression during pregnancy puts babies at risk? Answer. A growing body of literature investigating the effects of not treating depression on mother and developing fetus suggests that untreated depression is associated with adverse fetal outcomes and a higher risk of maternal morbidity, including suicide ideation and attempts, and postpartum depression.