Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription drug used to treat a number of mental health conditions. Zoloft may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Zoloft is a safe option.

The risk of taking Zoloft while pregnant may depend on how far along your pregnancy is. Studies show that it may be safe to take Zoloft during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) may be low during this time.

But there are potential risks to the fetus if you take Zoloft during the last 3 months of pregnancy. A newborn may experience problems that require hospital treatment. These include:

In addition to possibly harming a fetus, taking Zoloft during the last month of pregnancy increases the risk of severe bleeding following delivery.

However, it’s important to treat a mental health condition while you’re pregnant, as this could also carry risks for the fetus. Talk with your doctor before starting Zoloft if you’re pregnant or can become pregnant. They’ll help you decide whether you should take Zoloft during this time.

If you take Zoloft while pregnant, you should take the tablet form of the drug. Zoloft oral solution contains small amounts of alcohol, which could harm a fetus.

It’s important that you do not stop taking Zoloft without first talking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping Zoloft treatment can cause withdrawal symptoms. These are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to.

If you do take Zoloft during your pregnancy, consider enrolling in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. You can do this by calling 866-961-2388 or visiting the website. A pregnancy registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in people exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Zoloft while breastfeeding. Few negative side effects have been seen in children who are breastfed, but there have been no long-term studies. Small amounts of the drug are known to pass through breast milk, so your child could experience side effects if you breastfeed them during your treatment with Zoloft.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment option for your mental health condition if you choose to breastfeed your child.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.