SMFM

SMFM 2026: Antidepressant discontinuation in pregnancy linked to nearly twofold spike in mental health crises

February 13, 2026

Findings presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Meeting showed that among 3,983 patients with depression/anxiety, 36.7% entered pregnancy on an SSRI/SNRI, but most discontinued: 17.8% had no fills, and 64.6% had a >60‑day gap. Discontinuation was consistent across trimesters (30%–39%). Although pre‑pregnancy mental health visit rates were similar between groups, those who discontinued had significantly higher mental health emergencies during pregnancy, peaking in month one (58/1000 vs. 37/1000; p = 0.02) and month nine (59/1000 vs. 29/1000; p < 0.01).

Clinical takeaway: Prioritize mental health in pregnancy and ensure patients can access the full spectrum of evidence‑based treatments, including medication when appropriate.

Source:

Zafman K, et al. Pregnancy. Oral abstract #16 “Contemporary Patterns and Outcomes of Antidepressant Discontinuation in Pregnancy.” Presented at Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmf2.70167