Treating depression during pregnancy helps baby's brain development

What the research found

A large study of 130,631 births in British Columbia (published 2025) found that children whose mothers had depression in pregnancy were more likely to be developmentally vulnerable at kindergarten. This included language and cognitive development (odds 1.14 times higher). This type of study shows a link, not cause and effect.

A small pilot randomised trial (2015) compared cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with usual care in pregnancy. Fourteen women had CBT and 11 had usual care. At two months after birth, there were no differences between the groups in babies' sleep or temperament. Women whose depression scores improved during pregnancy had babies with easier temperament and shorter night-time sleep. Temperament and sleep are not the same as brain development.

A 2017 systematic review looked at 36 trials of treating depression around the time of birth. It examined effects on parenting and child development. Treatments included interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT and peer support. A 2025 systematic review of 14 studies found that children exposed to depression alone, and to depression plus SSRI antidepressants, both showed effects on several measures compared with controls. It remains unclear whether the medication has effects beyond those linked to the depression itself.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean treatment is pointless. Perinatal depression can be treated. The research on baby brain development is limited, and a lack of clear results is not the same as no benefit.
• Don't stop or change antidepressants without talking to your GP. Researchers are still trying to separate the effects of the medication from the effects of the depression, and each woman's situation is different.
• If you feel persistently sad, anxious or hopeless during pregnancy, see your GP or child health nurse. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help straight away.