Examining differences in placental efficiency following exposure to antidepressants and current depression: Findings from an Australian pregnancy cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Placental dysfunction and inefficiency, is important in understanding fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. Two recent studies have examined the relationship between antidepressant use in pregnancy and placental weight ratios; one found lower placental weight ratio associated with antidepressant use and the other found a higher ratio. Methods: This study examined 342 women recruited in early pregnancy, including 75 taking antidepressants, 29 with current depression and 238 controls. Antidepressant use was measured through self-report in early and late pregnancy, hospital records at delivery and drug concentrations in umbilical cord and maternal blood obtained at delive..