This project was in collaboration with iAPOGEE partner Radboud University Medical Center, and also included researchers from Oslo University Hospital and clinical pharmacology experts from various leading institutions in Norway. This study investigates the associations between perinatal antidepressant use and both gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR), providing insights into an often-overlooked aspect of maternal health.
Background
Perinatal mental health is a significant concern, yet the implications of antidepressant use during pregnancy on weight outcomes are not well understood. This research aims to fill that gap by examining data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), linked to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and the Norwegian Prescribed Drug Registry (LMR).
Key Findings
The study analyzed the experiences of 3,365 singleton pregnancies in women with pre-pregnancy depression or anxiety. Six distinct trajectories of antidepressant use were identified:
- Non-users
- Pre-pregnancy discontinuers
- Early pregnancy discontinuers
- Late pregnancy discontinuers
- Continuers
- Post-pregnancy initiators
The results revealed that:
Pre-pregnancy discontinuers had a significantly increased risk of inadequate GWG compared to non-users (weighted relative risk [wRR] 1.34).
Early and late pregnancy discontinuers, along with continuers, showed a borderline decreased risk of excessive PPWR at six months postpartum.
These findings suggest that the timing of antidepressant discontinuation can have important implications for weight management during and after pregnancy.
Conclusion
This research enhances our understanding of the safety concerns regarding antidepressant use in the perinatal period, specifically relating to GWG and PPWR. The implications for clinical practice could be substantial, leading to more tailored prenatal care for women experiencing depression and anxiety.
We would like to thank iAPOGEE for the funding that facilitated the research visit associated with this study!
van Wijk EJC, Zugic M, Rostami S, van Gelder MMHJ, Ahmad AS, Sitras V, Spigset O, Lupattelli A, Trinh NTH. Gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention: What is the role of perinatal antidepressant use? J Affect Disord. 2025 Oct 27;394(Pt A):120521. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.120521.