ITook this from the hospital where i work:
Use in pregnancy (Category C)
Neonates exposed to Zoloft, other SSRIs or SNRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalisation, respiratory support and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnoea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycaemia, hypotonia, hyper-reflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome.
Teratogenic effects. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 80 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg.
There was no evidence of teratogenicity at any dose level. However, sertraline was associated with delayed ossification in fetuses, probably secondary to effects on the dams.
Nonteratogenic effects. There was also decreased neonatal survival following maternal administration of sertraline at doses giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg. The decrease in pup survival was shown to be most probably due to in utero exposure to sertraline. The clinical significance of these effects is unknown. Similar effects have been described with other antidepressants.
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. SSRIs have had limited use in pregnancy without a reported increase in birth defects. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Zoloft should not be used during pregnancy unless in the judgment of the doctor, the expected benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. The use of SSRIs in the third trimester may result in a withdrawal state in the newborn infant.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant if taking Zoloft.
In a retrospective case control study, the risk for developing persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN) was approximately sixfold higher for infants exposed to SSRIs after the 20th week of gestation compared to infants who had not been exposed. There is currently no corroborative evidence regarding the risk of PPHN following exposure to SSRIs in pregnancy.
Hope this info helps you to make an informed decision. I think ultimately it depends how well you will do without it xxx
