Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants during pregnancy do not impact infants` growth over the first year, a new study has found.

There had been concern that antidepressant treatment during pregnancy reduced growth during the first year. Previous data suggested depression during pregnancy also could diminish infant growth.

But the new study from a Northwestern Medicine scientist showed infants born to mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy had a similar weight, length and head circumference over the first year as infants born to non-depressed women who did not take antidepressants.

The infants whose mothers took antidepressants were shorter at birth, but the difference disappeared by two weeks of age.

In addition, growth measurements for the infants of depressed women who did not take SSRIs were similar to the general population.

"Most women want to know about the effect of their depressive illness or the medication they take during pregnancy not only on the infant at birth, but also on the baby`s longer-term growth and development," said Northwestern Medicine lead author Katherine L. Wisner, M.D.

"This information may help women balance the risks and benefits of continuing their antidepressant treatment during pregnancy," she noted.

Depression has negative impact on a mother`s and infant`s health, Wisner said, noting that women who stop taking SSRIs near the time of conception have a high relapse rate.

Maternal prenatal stress and depression are linked to preterm birth and low infant birth weight, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Depression also affects a woman`s appetite, nutrition and prenatal care and is associated with increased alcohol and drug use. Women with untreated depression have a higher body mass index preconception, which carries additional risks.

Results of her study will be published in The American Journal of Psychiatry in Advance, its online ahead-of-print website.