Is Zoloft Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Pregnancy data are reassuring overall, but third-trimester exposure may cause newborn complications; provider review is needed.

Drug Information

Brand Name

Zoloft

Generic Name

sertraline

Drug Class

SSRI antidepressant

FDA Category

C

Rx Status

prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy

First-trimester data do not show a clear increase in major birth defects overall; third-trimester use may increase neonatal complications.

Mother

May help treat depression or anxiety; untreated illness also carries pregnancy risks.

Baby

May slightly raise risk of newborn adaptation problems after late-pregnancy exposure, such as breathing trouble, feeding issues, or PPHN.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Overall data do not show a clear increase in major birth defects, but evidence is not perfect.

2nd Trimester

No special pregnancy dose is established; provider review is still needed.

3rd Trimester

Late-pregnancy use may increase risk of neonatal complications, including respiratory support, tube feeding, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Risk-Benefit Note

For depression or anxiety, untreated illness can also harm pregnancy. Do not stop sertraline without provider guidance.

Conditions & Warnings

• Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
• Do not stop or change dose without prescriber guidance
• Monitor for newborn symptoms if used late in pregnancy

Alternatives

• Talk with your OB/GYN or prescriber about the lowest effective dose
• Non-drug therapy such as counseling or psychotherapy may be an option
• If switching is considered, it should be planned by your prescriber

References

• FDA ZOLOFT (sertraline) label
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019839s74s86s87_20990s35s44s45lbl.pdf
• MotherToBaby Sertraline fact sheet
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582954/
• ACOG Statement on the Benefit of Access to SSRIs During Pregnancy
  https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/07/statement-on-benefit-of-access-to-ssris-during-pregnancy