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Scientific evidence suggests that most women stop taking antidepressants (ADs) as soon as they learn of their pregnancy due to safety concerns for the baby. However, according to new data, the reality is quite the opposite: a mother’s poor emotional state is far more dangerous for the developing fetus than physician-prescribed medication. The primary question now is not whether medication can be used, but how to calculate the dosage correctly.
The Scale of the Issue in Ukraine and Europe
Over the last 20 years, the world has gradually ceased to view mental health disorders as a taboo. Following the U.S. market launch of Prozac in the late 1980s, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) became the most frequently prescribed drugs for treating depressive disorders.
As diagnostics improve, therapeutic options continue to advance. Simultaneously, the compatibility of antidepressants with pregnancy has long been a subject of debate.
For a long time, Ukraine preferred symptomatic treatments, such as sedatives, sleep aids, or nootropics. Over the past couple of years, this picture has changed drastically, as demonstrated by an analysis from the popular pharmaceutical service Liki.24.
Antidepressant Consumption Trends in Figures
While statistical data on antidepressant use specifically during pregnancy in Ukraine is currently unavailable, general figures provide insight. Between 2023 and 2025, orders in this category rose by 72%, and in 2025 alone, they increased by 25%. In January 2026, during massive shelling and prolonged power and heating outages, antidepressant orders in Kyiv more than tripled.
European indicators for SSRI use among pregnant women are also steadily rising.
| Country / Region | Previous Rate (%) | Current Usage Level (%) |
| United Kingdom | 3.2% (1996) | 13.4% (2018) |
| Europe (Average) | 1.6% (2019) | 2.0-8.0% (2025) |
| Norway | 0.8% (2001) | 1.8% (2025) |
According to the Helsi service, 57.4% of Ukrainians experience stress or anxiety almost daily. Additionally, a joint study by Associate Professor Nataliia Husak (Kyiv-Mohyla Academy) and colleagues from the University of Kent (UK) found that 39% of Ukrainian mothers exhibit symptoms of postpartum depression—twice the global average.
Alongside the increase in SSRI sales, the demand for nootropics in 2025 was 30% lower, sedatives 29% lower, and sleep aids 31% lower compared to 2024. According to Liki.24 experts, this may indicate a gradual shift from short-term “quick fix” solutions toward more consistent support for psycho-emotional health.
The numbers confirm: we are moving from self-medication to systemic therapy. But is it safe for fetal development?
When Antidepressants Require Monitoring
In February 2026, the BJOG journal published findings from researchers at Oslo and Akershus University Hospital. They compared 553 mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy with 2,765 mothers who did not to understand the link between dosage and infant health.
The core conclusion: the use of standard therapeutic doses does not affect birth weight, Apgar scores, or gestational age. Problems arise when dosages exceed standard levels.
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Increased Placental Weight: An average of 36.9 grams higher compared to the non-medicated group.
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PBWR Change: An increase in the placental weight-to-birth weight ratio (B = 1.54), indicating reduced functional efficiency of the organ.
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NICU Admission Risk: Doubling the dosage exactly doubles the risk (OR = 2.0).
Placental weight correlates with infant weight after birth. A placenta that is relatively large compared to the baby may indicate less efficient nutrient delivery.
The lower proportion of SSRI use among pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women may indicate that many choose to stop treatment for depression during pregnancy. This is likely due to uncertainty about possible consequences for the fetus.
Professor Soili Marianne Lehto, University of Oslo (UiO) and Akershus University Hospital (Ahus)
She emphasizes the importance of individualized dosage assessment for pregnant women. According to the researcher, the risks of stopping or reducing SSRI treatment should always be considered. And these risks are significant.
The Discontinuation Paradox: Why You Shouldn’t Stop Antidepressants
More than 75% of women who took ADs prior to pregnancy decide to stop therapy as soon as they learn they are expecting. This decision often triggers critical relapses.
Antidepressants and the Ideological War at the FDA
In July 2025, the FDA convened a roundtable where the discussion surrounding SSRIs took on a manipulative tone. Some participants claimed that women’s depression is a “gift of emotional sensitivity” and that the medications cause fetal alcohol syndrome. The professional community (SMFM) harshly criticized these claims as dangerous and pseudoscientific.
Mental health conditions are already the most frequent cause of pregnancy-related death. Unfortunately, the many outlandish and unfounded claims made by the panelists regarding SSRIs will only serve to incite fear and cause patients to come to false conclusions that could prevent them from getting the treatment they need.
Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
According to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM, February 2026), researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed the records of 3,983 patients (2023–2024). They found that sudden discontinuation of medication nearly doubles the risk of emergency conditions: suicidal ideation, psychosis, and overdoses. The highest risks were recorded in the first month (58 per 1,000) and ninth month of pregnancy (59 per 1,000).
| Parameter | Continued Therapy (Standard Dose) | Discontinued Therapy | Untreated Depression |
| Risk of Depression Relapse | 26% | 68% | 100% (Chronicity) |
| Risk of Emergency States (Suicide/Psychosis) | 1.0 (Baseline) | 2.0 (Double) | High (Undetermined) |
| Risk of Preterm Birth | Low | Moderate | High |
| Need for Neonatal ICU | Baseline | Increased (Due to stress) | High |
Furthermore, depression during pregnancy doubles the risk of developing postpartum depression, as mental health is the foundation of the recovery required after childbirth. Poor emotional health negatively impacts the mother-infant bond and the establishment of breastfeeding. Notably, breastfeeding itself reduces the likelihood of depressive disorders three-fold, even 10 years after childbirth—a true closed loop.
Conclusions: Mindfulness Toward Your Mental Health
If therapy is necessary, it should not be abandoned due to pregnancy. Instead, weigh all “pros” and “cons” together with a trusted physician. Additionally:
- Stick to standard doses. They are safe for the baby and do not cause pathological placental changes.
- Do not stop treatment on your own. This doubles the risk of psychiatric hospitalization and relapse.
- Monitor placental health. If your condition requires high doses, regular ultrasounds are your primary tool for control.
Lior Care
At the Lior Medical Center, we understand the subtleties of managing pregnancy under chronic stress. Our specialists follow international evidence-based protocols, helping every woman find the balance between psycho-emotional stability and the safety of her child. We provide expert care and attention for every Woman.
📞 Consultation and appointment: +380 73 200 6198 (or message us on Telegram).
