![Marla Ahlgrimm Marla Ahlgrimm](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yfyKlIA009C-x73tedPwDMPgG_GJci7eBGjbyUiXAMMquN9nf8y7kzHqjkJ9v93_-LnsCqmNPbtAdgfR9PJKk6yVfSjzYHAQTcYpL1tFspSQS4adTaYixUJpMpXpkBfMfEMD1GqFB4c/s16000/unnamed+%252816%2529.png)
Unfortunately, the thought of taking anxiety medication often adds to a woman’s concerns. Questions, such as “are these medications safe?” are always on an expectant mother’s mind. So, are they? Retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm says yes, in most cases.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, SSRIs, a type of drug often prescribed for anxiety, are typically considered safe. One brand-name, Zoloft, was found to have no link between certain congenital disabilities – birth defects – and prenatal intake. However, Prozac, Paxil, and a few others carried a minuscule risk. Other medications, including Cymbalta, a brand name for an SNRI medication, are also considered safe, with a very small potential link to birth defects.
Potential congenital disorders associated with certain anxiety medications include premature birth and lower than normal birth weight. However, untreated anxiety can also put a baby at risk. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women with severe anxiety may be prone to complications during delivery. Miscarriage is also more common in women with extreme anxiety.
![Marla Ahlgrimm Marla Ahlgrimm](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKEweI5EhSF3JHpxb7Jeln1RHqX2KgAH2EVYifBjrZxNy4I8ydQua_LDK3uAwphaAUXQ1BUd_60fGRi9VU5PIhNO9jvou89FluOyr_lMoqBVS_FX61ySm_653bCk_jm2ckQAN1mSfPFI/s16000/tumblr_blue_px_500+%25281%2529.jpg)
![Marla Ahlgrimm Marla Ahlgrimm](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKEweI5EhSF3JHpxb7Jeln1RHqX2KgAH2EVYifBjrZxNy4I8ydQua_LDK3uAwphaAUXQ1BUd_60fGRi9VU5PIhNO9jvou89FluOyr_lMoqBVS_FX61ySm_653bCk_jm2ckQAN1mSfPFI/s16000/tumblr_blue_px_500+%25281%2529.jpg)
Fortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that many women’s anxiety dissipates shortly after birth. As they become more comfortable in their new role as a mom, misgivings are often forgotten and replaced with the unconditional love that only a baby can bring.