Drugs for depression, anxiety tied to preterm birth

Pregnant women who take certain drugs for depression or anxiety may have heightened risks of preterm delivery or other birth complications, according to a new study.

HEALTH

Researchers found that among nearly 3,000 women who gave birth in Washington State, those who started taking antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the second or third trimester had a higher risk of preterm birth.

Compared with their counterparts not on the medications, these women were nearly five times more likely to deliver prematurely.