How does the risk of preterm birth compare between discontinuing and continuing antidepressants during the third trimester?

The assertion that the risk of preterm birth is higher with the discontinuation of antidepressants during the third trimester aligns with findings in perinatal mental health research. Antidepressant medication is vital for managing mental health disorders during pregnancy, and sudden discontinuation can lead to worsening symptoms in the mother, which might adversely affect her overall health and the pregnancy.

When a mother experiences untreated depression or anxiety, it can lead to stress, alterations in the body's physiological responses, and behavioral changes that might increase the risk of preterm birth. Maintaining a stable medication regimen can help manage these symptoms, providing a healthier environment for fetal development.

Continued treatment with antidepressants, while monitored for side effects and adjusted as necessary, tends to support better maternal mental health outcomes, which are crucial for both mother and baby. Thus, opting to continue medication is often associated with a lower risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, compared to the risks associated with stopping medication.

This perspective reinforces the importance of having an informed discussion with healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing antidepressant therapy during pregnancy, particularly in the latter stages.