Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may pose risks for your baby, but stopping may pose risks for you.

If you don't take proper care of depression during pregnancy, you may put your health and your baby's health at risk. If you're depressed, you may not have the energy to take good care of yourself. You may not seek optimal prenatal care or eat the healthy foods your baby needs to thrive. You may turn to smoking or drinking alcohol. And the price may be high, including premature birth, low birth weight, developmental problems and an increased risk of postpartum depression.

If you take antidepressants throughout pregnancy or during the last trimester, your baby may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms such as jitters or irritability at birth. If you stop taking antidepressants during pregnancy, you risk a depression relapse. In fact, in a 2006 study, pregnant women who stopped taking antidepressants were five times more likely to experience a depression relapse than were pregnant women who continued taking the drugs.

Few medications have been proved safe without question during pregnancy. Research continues, however, and the latest studies on antidepressants and pregnancy offer some reassurance. Overall, the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is very low. Still, some types of antidepressants are safer than others.

The antidepressants generally considered safe during pregnancy are: citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and bupropion (Wellbutrin). Paroxetine (Paxil) and MAOIs should be avoided.

If you have depression and are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, consult your doctor. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. If your depression is severe or you have a recent history of depression, the risk of relapse may be greater than the risks associated with antidepressants.

It's not an easy decision. As researchers continue to learn more about antidepressants, the risks and benefits of taking the drugs during pregnancy must be weighed carefully on a case-by-case basis. Work with your doctor to make an informed choice that gives you — and your baby — the best chance for long-term health.