Sertraline Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you're pregnant and managing depression or anxiety, sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly sold as Zoloft. Also known as Zoloft, it's one of the most prescribed antidepressants for pregnant women because it's been studied more than most in this group. But that doesn't mean it's risk-free. Many women worry: Will this hurt my baby? Will it cause birth defects? Will I feel worse if I stop? The truth isn't simple, but it's not scary either—if you know what to look for.

Research from large studies, including data tracked by the CDC and the MotherToBaby network, shows that sertraline has one of the lowest risks among SSRIs when used during pregnancy. There's no strong link to major birth defects like heart problems or cleft palate. That’s different from some older antidepressants, which had clearer red flags. But it’s not zero risk. A small number of babies exposed to sertraline late in pregnancy may have temporary symptoms like fussiness, jitteriness, or trouble feeding—usually gone within days. And while studies haven’t proven sertraline causes long-term developmental issues, the brain is still growing in the womb, so every medication carries some level of unknown.

On the other side, untreated depression during pregnancy can be just as risky. It’s linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and even problems bonding after delivery. For many women, staying on sertraline is safer than stopping cold turkey. The key is not whether to take it, but how to take it right. That means working with your doctor to use the lowest effective dose, avoiding sudden changes, and monitoring both your mood and your baby’s health closely.

You’ll also want to know how sertraline compares to other options. SSRIs, a class of antidepressants that includes fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram all have different profiles in pregnancy. Sertraline tends to be the first choice because it crosses the placenta less than others and has more safety data. Prenatal medication, any drug taken during pregnancy to treat a medical condition needs careful balancing—not just of physical risks, but emotional ones too. Stopping meds can trigger a relapse, which affects your ability to care for yourself and your baby.

What about breastfeeding? Sertraline is one of the few antidepressants that passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and most babies show no side effects. Many doctors consider it a top pick for nursing moms.

So what does this all mean for you? If you’re pregnant or planning to be, don’t make changes on your own. Talk to your OB-GYN and psychiatrist together. Bring a list of all your meds. Ask about alternatives, dose adjustments, or non-drug support like therapy. You’re not alone in this—thousands of women take sertraline during pregnancy every year and have healthy babies. But you need the right information to make the call that’s best for your body, your mental health, and your baby.

Below, you’ll find real guides from women and doctors who’ve walked this path—covering everything from managing side effects to switching meds safely, understanding drug interactions, and what to expect after birth. These aren’t theories. They’re lived experiences and clinical facts you can use today.