Side Effects of Antidepressant Drug Use During Pregnancy: Literature Review

Depression in pregnant women can affect morbidity and mortality in both  the  mother and baby .  It is also one of the risk factors for autism, low birth weight, prematurity, and postpartum hemorrhage. Depression is common during pregnancy, as is the increased use of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to identify the side effects of using antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. The research method used is to use a literature study approach with 20 journal sources systematically reviewed which have been selected based on the criteria determined by the researcher. In the results of the study, it is known that there are several unwanted side effects from the use of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. Its side effects include psychiatric disorders, hypertension, low birth weight, short gestational age, congenital malformations, speech/language disorders, Hirschsprung's Disease, epilepsy, autism, and postpartum hemorrhage. In conclusion, the side effects of using antidepressant drugs during pregnancy such as psychiatric disorders, hypertension, low birth weight, short gestational age, congenital malformations, speech/language disorders, Hirschsprung's Disease, epilepsy, autism, and postpartum hemorrhage are known to be caused by the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs ,  capable of crossing the placenta, thereby affecting fetal brain development. High serotonin levels with decreased growth hormone levels and can have a negative impact on  the  growth  of fetus .