It seems the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new warnings on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, citing the contradictory nature of current research in this area:

The FDA does not recommend that pregnant women at risk for depression either take or forego the use of antidepressants, but says the findings "should be considered" in treatment decisions. In the meantime, the agency advises that "women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop any antidepressant medication without first consulting their physician."

Basically, the FDA is confirming what we already knew about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy: We don't know much of anything.

However, their clear statement that women who are using antidepressants prior to becoming pregnant should NOT discontinue them without consulting their health care provider does reinforce an important truth - that untreated depression and anxiety may pose just as much of a risk to a developing fetus - or more - than antidepressant medication. It's all a risk-vs.-benefit analysis, but you don't have to weigh the risks and benefits alone, in a vacuum. The moral of this story: As long as the science remains contradictory, the best you can do is talk with your care provider(s) to make an informed decision based on your circumstances.

For more coverage of this non-story story, check out:

"Depression Drugs Tied to Infants' Lung Disease"
The Associated Press (AP)

"U.S. Warns of New Antidepressant Risks"
Reuters Health

"FDA Takes Action on Antidepressants & Migraine Drugs"
The New York Times

"FDA Issues Advisory on Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy"
WKYT 27 News, Mountain News