A recent FDA panel meeting on the use of SSRIs during pregnancy has sparked widespread concern among mental health and reproductive health experts. While much of the discussion focused on potential risks, the benefits of these medications—when they are needed—were left out entirely. Providers worry that this one-sided conversation could deepen stigma, fuel misinformation, and even lead some pregnant individuals to stop their medication abruptly, which can carry serious risks for both parent and baby.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I made what I thought was a responsible decision and scheduled a consultation with a mental health professional who I had seen previously. She assured me she had worked with pregnant people before…

Congratulations – you’re pregnant! Perhaps you’ve spent years seeking fertility treatment, are pregnant after a loss or relied on a gamete donor or gestational carrier, or maybe conceiving without intervention was simple for you. You’ve scheduled your OB or midwife appointment and are diligently taking your prenatal vitamins. But are you taking care of your emotional health?

If you are at high risk of developing prenatal depression, Dr. Basch recommends starting therapy while trying to conceive or early in your pregnancy to maintain your mental health throughout the perinatal period