Pregnancy comes with a flood of questions—what to eat, how to prepare, and for many, how to manage mental health . If you take SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), or Celexa (citalopram) for anxiety or depression, you might have heard about something called Neonatal Adaptation Syndrome (NAS) . Naturally, that can raise concerns—but let’s break it down so you can make informed, confident decisions for both you and your baby.
Most cases are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days to two weeks with monitoring and care.
What is Neonatal Adaptation Syndrome?
NAS, sometimes called “neonatal SSRI withdrawal,” refers to temporary symptoms some newborns experience after birth if exposed to SSRIs in the womb. While the term “withdrawal” can sound alarming, the reality is that it’s usually mild, short-lived, and manageable.
Why Does This Happen?
SSRIs work by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, helping regulate mood. During pregnancy, your baby is exposed, too. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it simply means they adapt to having the medication in their system. After birth, when that exposure suddenly stops, some newborns take a little time to adjust —that adjustment period is what doctors call Neonatal Adaptation Syndrome .
What Are the Symptoms?
Every baby is different, but some newborns may experience:
🍼 Extra fussiness or irritability
🍼 Jitteriness (tiny trembles that can look like shivers)
🍼 Sleep disturbances (too much or too little sleep)
🍼 Feeding difficulties
🍼 Mild breathing changes
These symptoms, when present, typically appear within the first 48 hours and resolve within a few days to two weeks with simple care— swaddling, gentle monitoring, and feeding adjustments. Severe cases (like serious breathing issues) are rare , affecting less than 5% of exposed babies .
How Common is NAS?
Not every baby exposed to SSRIs experiences NAS. Research suggests 20-30% of babies show symptoms , meaning most— 70-80%—don’t . And when they do, symptoms are typically mild and temporary .
Why This Matters for Moms
Up to 1 in 10 women experience pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, and without treatment, it can affect both mom and baby. That’s why SSRIs have become the go-to solution, widely recommended by ACOG and the APA as the best option available.
What Can You Do?
First, take a deep breath. If you’re taking SSRIs during pregnancy, you’ve probably been told they’re the best option to manage depression and anxiety. What’s less talked about? Neonatal Adaptation Syndrome (NAS) —a temporary adjustment some newborns go through after birth due to SSRI exposure in the womb. Most cases of NAS are mild and temporary with symptoms like fussiness, jitteriness, and feeding difficulties resolving within days to two weeks with monitoring and care.
Key Takeaways for Moms
✅ Talk to your doctor – Never stop SSRIs suddenly, as that can cause its own risks. A gradual, medically guided approach is always best.
✅ Discuss any adjustments – Some women explore dose timing in late pregnancy, alternative medications, or additional support strategies, but this should always be a medical decision.
✅ Explore natural support – In addition to medication, consider nutrition, stress management, gentle movement, and other natural approaches to support your mental and physical well-being during pregnancy.
✅ Know what to expect – Your pediatrician will monitor your newborn and provide gentle support if any symptoms arise. Being informed can help you feel confident and prepared.