Can I Take Sertraline When Pregnant?

Finding out you are pregnant while already taking sertraline — or being prescribed it for the first time during pregnancy — raises understandable questions. You want to protect your baby, but you also know that untreated depression and anxiety carry their own risks. The good news is that sertraline is one of the most studied antidepressants in pregnancy, and decisions can be made carefully with your GP or midwife based on your individual situation.

Quick Answer

Sertraline in pregnancy: Sertraline is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in pregnancy. It is generally considered to have a low risk profile, and for many women the benefits of treating depression or anxiety during pregnancy outweigh the risks of stopping. Always discuss your personal circumstances with your GP before starting, stopping, or changing your dose.

Is Sertraline Safe in Pregnancy?

The key principle your GP or psychiatrist will apply is a risk-benefit assessment. Untreated depression and anxiety in pregnancy are not neutral — they can affect your sleep, nutrition, ability to care for yourself, and your relationship with your baby after birth. Stopping medication abruptly without medical guidance can also cause withdrawal effects and a return of symptoms, which carries its own risks.

Some potential considerations your doctor may discuss with you include:

• Newborn adaptation syndrome: Some babies born to mothers taking SSRIs show temporary symptoms in the first few days after birth, such as mild jitteriness or feeding difficulties. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own. Healthcare staff at the hospital will be informed so they can monitor your baby.
• Timing and dosage: Your doctor may review your dose at different stages of pregnancy. This is a normal part of managing any medication during pregnancy and does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
• Stopping gradually: If you and your doctor decide that stopping sertraline is the right choice for you, the dose is usually reduced gradually rather than stopped all at once.

It is important to remember that what is right for one person may not be right for another. A decision made collaboratively with your GP or a perinatal psychiatrist, taking your full mental health history into account, is far safer than stopping medication on your own.

NHS Guidance

If you are already taking sertraline and discover you are pregnant, do not stop taking it without speaking to your GP first. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant can cause discontinuation symptoms and a rapid return of depression or anxiety, which can be more difficult to manage than a planned review with your doctor.

Your GP, midwife, or a perinatal mental health team can provide personalised advice. Perinatal mental health services are available across the UK and specifically support women with mental health conditions during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Ask your midwife at your booking appointment if you have concerns, and mention any medication you are currently taking.

Alternatives

• Other SSRIs: Different antidepressants carry different risk profiles. Your doctor may suggest an alternative if there is a specific reason sertraline is not suitable for you.
• Talking therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for depression and anxiety and is available through NHS Talking Therapies. There is no waiting list concern about safety in pregnancy.
• Perinatal mental health support: Many areas have specialist perinatal mental health teams who work with women during pregnancy and are experienced in supporting people who want to manage their mental health with or without medication.

The important thing is not to manage this alone. Whether you stay on sertraline, switch, or taper off, doing so with professional support leads to better outcomes for both you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not panic. Taking sertraline before you knew you were pregnant is unlikely to have caused harm. SSRIs are among the most studied medications in early pregnancy. Contact your GP or midwife, let them know, and mention it at your booking appointment. They can provide reassurance and review your ongoing care.

Can I buy sertraline over the counter while pregnant?

No — sertraline is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You cannot buy it over the counter. Always tell your GP and pharmacist that you are pregnant so that any prescription review takes your pregnancy into account. Even for over-the-counter medicines and supplements, always let the pharmacist know you are pregnant before buying anything.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking sertraline?

Many women do breastfeed while taking sertraline. Current guidance suggests the amount that passes into breast milk is low, and it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Your GP or midwife can discuss this with you in the context of your own situation, including your dose and your baby's health.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication during pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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