Sertraline and pregnancy
Sertraline can be taken in pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that sertraline might occasionally affect the development of a baby's heart. However, if there is any risk, it is small, and the majority of babies born to women taking sertraline have a normal heart.
When sertraline is taken in the weeks before delivery it can sometimes cause short-term withdrawal symptoms and, very rarely, breathing problems in your baby. Your baby will be checked after birth and given extra care if needed.
Taking sertraline in the last month of pregnancy may slightly increase your risk of bleeding after delivery. However, because this side effect is rare and can be treated, it's not a reason to stop taking sertraline if you're pregnant.
It's important that mental health problems are well treated during pregnancy as these can affect both you and your baby's wellbeing. Depression and anxiety can sometimes get worse during pregnancy, and after the baby's born.
Speak to your doctor if you become pregnant while taking sertraline. They will help you weigh up the risks and benefits so you can decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.
Sertraline and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it is OK to take sertraline while breastfeeding. It is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding and has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.
Sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies.
It is important to continue taking sertraline to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.
Talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if:
- your baby is not feeding as well as usual
- your baby seems unusually sleepy
- your baby is irritable or has colic
- you have any other concerns about your baby
Sertraline and fertility
For men, sertraline may reduce sperm quality, but it's not known whether this reduces fertility or not. Speak to your doctor if you're having difficulty trying for a baby.
For women, there's no evidence to suggest that taking sertraline reduces your fertility. Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant as they may want to review your treatment.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Find out more about how sertraline can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.