You might be able to take Lexapro (escitalopram) while pregnant, but it is a risk–benefit decision that must be made with your OB/GYN or psychiatrist; you should never stop or start it on your own.

Key facts in plain language

  • Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant that regulators classify as a pregnancy “Category C” drug, meaning fetal risk cannot be ruled out and decisions must be individualized.
  • Large studies and reviews suggest escitalopram does not clearly increase the overall risk of major birth defects, though a small increase in certain complications (like preterm birth or low birth weight) has been seen in some research.
  • Untreated depression and anxiety in pregnancy are also risky, increasing chances of poor prenatal care, substance use, preterm birth, and problems with bonding after delivery.

Possible risks of taking Lexapro while pregnant

  • Some studies link SSRI use (including Lexapro) to:
    • Slightly higher risk of miscarriage, especially when used in early pregnancy, though similar risks were seen in women who stopped SSRIs just before pregnancy.
* Small increases in preterm birth and low birth weight.

* A small risk of high blood pressure in pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage, particularly with third‑trimester use.
  • Newborns exposed late in pregnancy can have temporary adaptation/withdrawal ‑type symptoms (jitteriness, feeding or breathing issues) that are usually mild and short‑lived but may require short monitoring in the nursery.

Reasons doctors sometimes continue Lexapro

  • For many people, staying on an effective antidepressant:
    • Lowers relapse of significant depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
* Helps maintain healthy sleep, appetite, and functioning, which supports fetal growth and overall pregnancy health.
  • Some expert reviews note that escitalopram generally appears reasonably safe in pregnancy, and that for many patients the benefits of stable mental health can outweigh the medication risks.

What you should do right now

  • Do not stop Lexapro suddenly; abrupt discontinuation can trigger withdrawal symptoms and a sharp return of depression or anxiety.
  • Contact:
    • Your prescribing mental health provider (psychiatrist, PCP, or NP).
    • Your obstetric provider (OB/GYN, midwife, or high‑risk OB if needed).
  • Ask specifically:
    • “Given my dose of Lexapro, history of depression/anxiety, and how severe my symptoms have been off meds, do you recommend continuing, adjusting the dose, or switching medications?”
    • “If I continue Lexapro, how will we monitor me and the baby during pregnancy and right after birth?”
  • If you ever have thoughts of self‑harm or feel unable to cope, seek urgent help immediately via emergency services or a crisis line in your country, as that situation is more dangerous for both you and the pregnancy than medication risks alone.

Forum and “latest news” style context

  • Recent online discussions and clinic blogs in 2024–2025 often emphasize:
    • SSRIs like Lexapro are commonly used in pregnancy when depression or anxiety is moderate to severe.
* Decisions are trending toward personalized care: weighing your specific mental‑health history, other medical issues, trimester of exposure, and support system rather than a blanket “never use meds” approach.

* Many pregnant people on forums describe healthy pregnancies and babies on Lexapro, while others describe choosing to taper under supervision; both paths can be appropriate depending on individual circumstances.

Bottom line: Lexapro during pregnancy is not automatically forbidden, but it is not completely risk‑free, and the dangers of untreated depression are real. Work closely with your own clinicians to decide whether continuing, switching, or tapering is safest for you and your baby.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.