Sertraline and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you're pregnant and taking sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. Also known as Zoloft, it's one of the most studied antidepressants in pregnancy — but that doesn't mean the answers are simple. Many women stop their meds out of fear, while others keep taking them because stopping feels riskier. The truth? It’s not about avoiding sertraline completely — it’s about understanding how it affects you and your baby, and making a choice based on real data, not guesswork.

SSRIs, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain, are often used during pregnancy because they’re generally safer than older drugs like tricyclics. But sertraline isn’t risk-free. Studies show a small increased chance of certain birth defects, like heart problems, especially if taken in the first trimester. At the same time, untreated depression during pregnancy raises risks too — preterm birth, low birth weight, and even postpartum depression that can impact bonding and infant development. This isn’t a yes-or-no question. It’s a balance between mental health stability and physical risk.

fetal development, the process by which a baby grows inside the womb, including organ formation and brain wiring is most sensitive in the first 12 weeks. That’s when sertraline exposure could theoretically interfere with heart or lung formation. But after the first trimester, the risks drop sharply. Some women switch to sertraline after their first trimester because it’s considered among the safest SSRIs for later pregnancy. Others stay on it throughout because their symptoms are severe — and the risk of relapse is high. Your doctor won’t tell you to quit cold turkey. They’ll look at your history, your symptoms, your support system, and your options — including therapy, lifestyle changes, or lower doses.

Here’s what actually matters: sertraline isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s not a danger zone either. If you’re pregnant and taking it, don’t panic. Don’t quit without talking to your provider. If you’re thinking about starting it, ask about alternatives — but don’t assume they’re better. Some women do better on sertraline than on other SSRIs. Others need therapy or support groups more than pills. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but there is good information out there — and the posts below break it down with real studies, real experiences, and clear takeaways you can use.