Mental Health Treatment During Pregnancy: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
As a maternal mental health therapist, I work with women every day who are navigating the emotional terrain of pregnancy and parenthood. I reassure the clients with debilitating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and depression so intense it disrupts functioning, that with the right treatment and support they will recover. When this should be met with relief—research shows that 80% of individuals recover from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders with timely and appropriate treatment—it is instead, often met with skepticism and fear, especially when medication support is part of the conversation. “But is it safe for me to take medication while I’m pregnant?”
This question became even more urgent this week when a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel raised doubts about the safety of antidepressants in pregnancy, suggesting that they may pose risks to fetal development. As a clinician, I am deeply concerned—not because new evidence had emerged, but because of how easily misinformation can fuel stigma and lead to dangerous outcomes for both mother and baby.
A Politicized Agenda, Not Emerging Science
The recent panel was convened under the direction of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose “Make America Healthy Again” initiative has publicly questioned the use of psychiatric medications, especially in children and pregnant women. His May 2025 report called for a reevaluation of SSRIs—a type of antidepressant medication commonly used during the perinatal period—amplifying an anti-medication stance and long-standing skepticism of psychiatric treatment, instead encouraging “natural” alternatives.
But here’s what many of us in the field noticed: the panel wasn’t balanced. It was disproportionately made up of individuals who have previously spoken out against antidepressants. One panelist, who hosts a podcast that questions mainstream mental health approaches, even claimed that depression isn’t a real diagnosis — suggesting that “women just naturally experience their emotions more intensely.” Most concerning, the panel created to examine the use of antidepressants during pregnancy only had one maternal mental health expert. The discussion repeatedly failed to provide evidence, misinterpreted findings, cited outdated studies, and relied heavily on opinion vs. fact. It felt less like a scientific review, and more like a fear campaign.
The Real Risk: Untreated Maternal Mental Illness
Pregnancy does not offer protection against mental illness. In fact, for many pregnant individuals, depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD symptoms intensify—or show up for the first time—during the perinatal period. And when left untreated, are associated with real and serious risks for mother and baby:
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Preeclampsia
Impaired bonding
Increased substance use
Postpartum psychosis
Suicide—the leading cause of maternal death in the first year postpartum
Suggesting that antidepressants are inherently dangerous, perpetuates a fear-based narrative. Barriers to mental health treatment are already prevalent, such as lack of provider training, insurance hurdles, and unrealistic expectations around pregnancy and parenthood. By stigmatizing medication, we are further isolating, shaming, and making it harder for pregnant and postpartum people to access evidence-based, lifesaving care
Here’s the truth: Decades of research—and the lived experiences of countless women—have shown that for many, antidepressant-SSRIs, like sertraline and fluoxetine are generally safe during pregnancy and are a critical component of mental health care. While no treatment is entirely without risk, the risks of taking medication must be weighed against the very real dangers of not treating a perinatal mood disorder. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a statement pushing back, reaffirming what we as clinicians already know: untreated depression and anxiety pose significant risks to both parent and baby.
“Robust evidence supports the safety and necessity of SSRIs in many pregnancies. The greater threat is untreated maternal mental health conditions.” – ACOG (July 2025)
A Message to Mothers
If you’re pregnant and struggling, please know this: You are not alone. You are not weak. Wanting to feel better—for yourself and your baby—is not a luxury, but necessary.
This isn’t a debate between pills and willpower. This is about ensuring that you have access to evidence-based, individualized care guided by science and compassion—not political ideology.
In my experience, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. We carefully weigh the risks and benefits of every approach. Sometimes therapy alone is enough. Sometimes medication is part of the plan. Sometimes it’s not. But that decision should be made in partnership—between the client and a provider who knows their story, their values, and the current evidence. I have never had clients regret getting on the right treatment regimen, I have only heard them say they regret not getting help sooner.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Mental illness during pregnancy is not rare, and it's not a personal failure. It’s a health condition—one that deserves treatment, care, and dignity. As Dr. Kay Roussos‑Ross, a maternal–fetal specialist, said in response to the FDA panels misinformation:
“Treating mental illness in pregnancy is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.”
We must stop treating maternal mental health as optional. It is essential. And it’s time we build a system that reflects that truth.
Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as physical health during pregnancy. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, exploring therapy for individuals can offer meaningful support. You can also learn more about our approach to medication management. At Nurture Therapy, we're here to help you feel empowered and ready to move through this chapter with more calm, strength, and connection.
References and cited articles:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025, July 21). Statement on benefit of access to SSRIs during pregnancy. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/07/statement-on-benefit-of-access-to-ssris-during-pregnancy
Chuck, E. (2025, July 23). FDA panel promotes misinformation about antidepressants in pregnancy, psychiatrists say. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mental-health/fda-panel-promotes-misinformation-antidepressants-pregnancy-psychiatri-rcna220047
Chuck, E. (2025, May 22). RFK Jr. says children are in “dire” health, but experts slam his chronic disease report. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/rfk-jr-children-dire-chronic-disease-health-report-rcna208544
Netburn, D. (2025, July 23). FDA panel on SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy raises alarms — and draws sharp criticism. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-07-23/fda-panel-on-ssri-antidepressants-in-pregnancy-raises-alarms