Taking antidepressants during pregnancy has little to no link to ADHD, autism

Summary: For years, expecting moms have worried that taking antidepressants during pregnancy might cause ADHD or autism in their babies. But a huge new study brings a big sigh of relief! Researchers looked at over 25 million pregnancies and found that most antidepressants do not increase these risks.

The slightly higher rates seen in past studies were actually linked to the family's genetics and the underlying depression itself, not the medication. Doctors stress that leaving depression untreated is much more dangerous for both mom and baby, leading to risks like premature birth and severe maternal health issues. So, if you need your medication to stay healthy, current guidelines say it's generally safe to keep taking it. Always talk to your doctor to make the best choice for you and your growing family!

Source: CNN URL: cnn.com/2026/05/14/health/antidepressants-pregnancy-autism-adhd-risk-wellness (opens in new tab)