Abstract
This position statement provides guidance for the monitoring, care, and follow-up of newborns exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in utero. Depression and anxiety are common during pregnancy and postpartum. While there are risks to taking medications during pregnancy, untreated or incompletely managed depression and anxiety also carry risks for the newborn. Poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (PNAS) occurs in one-third of newborns exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero, and is generally mild and self-limiting. The low levels of SSRIs and SNRIs excreted in breast milk are compatible with breastfeeding. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and congenital heart defects are rare associations of exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero. There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes, specifically autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The inconsistencies likely relate to other factors (i.e., genetics, maternal depression, lifestyle, and comorbidities), rather than exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero. Health care providers and parents should be reassured that PNAS is generally treatable with nonpharmacological measures, and that the risk of serious adverse effects from exposure to SSRIs or SNRIs in utero is low.
Keywords: Poor neonatal adaptation syndrome, Pregnancy, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
CANADIAN PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY FETUS AND NEWBORN COMMITTEE
Members: Nicole Anderson MD (Resident Member), Heidi Budden MD (Board Representative), Mireille Guillot MD (Resident member), Leonora Hendson MD, Thierry Lacaze-Masmonteil MD, PhD (past Chair), Brigitte Lemyre MD, Souvik Mitra MD, Michael R. Narvey MD (Chair), Vibhuti Shah MD
Liaisons: Radha Chari MD, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada; James Cummings MD, Committee on Fetus and Newborn, American Academy of Pediatrics; William Ehman MD, College of Family Physicians of Canada; Danica Hamilton RN, Canadian Association of Neonatal Nurses; Roxanne Laforge RN, Canadian Perinatal Programs Coalition; Chantal Nelson PhD, Public Health Agency of Canada; Eugene H. Ng MD, CPS Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Section
Principal authors: Leonora Hendson MD, Vibhuti Shah MD, Sandra Trkulja