"I want to get pregnant and I am taking sertraline. Should I change my prescription?"

It is important to consider the reason why you are taking sertraline and how long you have been taking it. If you have been taking it for many years and the issue has been resolved, you may consider stopping the medication. However, if you have been taking it for less than 2 years or if the issue you are treating is still present, it is recommended to continue the antidepressant during pregnancy. Sertraline has been studied in pregnant women and has not been shown to increase the risk of major birth defects. It may slightly increase the risk of other complications such as premature birth or pre-eclampsia. It is advised for women who want to become pregnant to take a folic acid supplement about 3 months before conception to prevent birth defects. It is important to discuss all these considerations with your family doctor before becoming pregnant.