What has research shown regarding the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for women who do not use SSRIs during pregnancy?

Research on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy has examined the potential associations between maternal mental health treatment and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. While various studies have produced different findings, some have suggested that discontinuing SSRIs may actually correlate with an increased risk of ASD. This is primarily believed to be due to the maternal mental health conditions that SSRIs are typically prescribed to manage. When women with untreated depression or anxiety during pregnancy are compared to those who maintain treatment with SSRIs, the untreated group may experience higher stress levels, which could negatively affect fetal development.

This understanding highlights a complex interaction between maternal mental health, treatment decisions, and the developmental outcomes of children. Failing to use SSRIs during pregnancy could inadvertently expose the fetus to the detrimental effects of maternal mental illnesses, leading to a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD. Therefore, the research supports the notion that women who do not use SSRIs during pregnancy may have a higher risk of having children with ASD, aligning with the chosen answer.