Escitalopram use in pregnancy

I have spoken to doctors who all have a slightly different take.

Not escitalopram but I've been on citalopram all pregnancy and got told it was safe. The only thing is after birth, they'll have you in for an extra day or two for observation as the baby could have very mild "withdrawal" symptoms. I'm also being followed closely by my consultant who told me I can go up on my dose a bit if I feel like I need it :) Have a word with them! ❤️

This is a link to informstion on escitalopram in pregnancy from the uk teratology information service. They collate all available evidence on most drugs. https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Escitalopram/ The most important thing for baby is to have a healthy mum, both physically and mentally. If you need it, you need it. Risks to baby are minimal. We tend to use sertraline or fluoxetine in preference to other medication because there is more evidence for it but that's only beneficial if they work for you. Xxx

I haven't stopped escitalopram and I am 26+4 weeks pregnant. The doctor let me continue it. It helps keep my anxiety at bay.

@Jo thanks. I see you are a doctor. I have had such mixed advice from different doctors. Have you seen lots of healthy babies exposed to SSRIs? Escitalopram is the one that has worked for me in the past

@Jo I have read the bumps info but seem a little scary especially the increase in pulmonary bleeding and Austin. Any thoughts?

@Shelly I see loads of women on SSRIs have totally healthy babies. I'm on one myself. I've never known a baby have pulmonary hypertension but I can't comment on the autism thing because we don't get to find out! Some studies found a link, others didn't. Who's to say the ones that didn't aren't right. X

@Jo yea I have seen mixed results about whether it's the meds or mental health that has a bigger impact. It helps to know a doctor that is on the medication while pregnanct. Thanks for your advice.

@Shelly I've actually restarted it recently because pregnancy has totally messed me up! We always advise to keep taking medication that is necessary for maternal mental health. Xx

@Jo thanks that is helpful. Its because I work with children with ASD it scares me so but guess you have to have the genetic piece as well. So you are in a similar position to me, tried without it and now going back on. How far are you?