Prenatal SSRI Exposure Increases Risk of Functional Constipation: Study

Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of developing DGBI, including functional nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain disorders, functional diarrhea, and functional constipation. Laxative use prescribed by physicians was also included as an indicator of functional constipation.

Key Findings

The study analyzed a total of 1,158,560 children, of whom:

• 21,969 children (1.9%) were exposed to SSRIs prenatally.

• 30,174 children (2.6%) were born to mothers who discontinued SSRIs before pregnancy.

The 15-year cumulative incidence of any DGBI was:

• 15.5% (95% CI, 14.9–16.2%) in the SSRI-exposed group.

• 14.7% (95% CI, 14.0–15.3%) in the unexposed group.

• SSRI-exposed children had an 8% higher overall risk of DGBI (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.14).

• SSRI-exposed children had a 19% higher risk of functional constipation (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.28).

No significant associations were found for other DGBIs:

• Functional nausea and vomiting: HR 0.97 (95% CI: 0.83–1.13).

• Functional abdominal pain disorders: HR 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81–1.00).

In conclusion, this large population-based study demonstrated an association between prenatal exposure to SSRIs and an increased risk of functional constipation in children. These results support preclinical evidence emphasizing the role of serotonin in gut development and function. These findings underscore the importance of further research into long-term consequences of maternal SSRI use on offspring gastrointestinal health.

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