A recent study has found that taking antidepressants during the later stages of pregnancy increases the risk of the newborn developing autism by 87%.

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects a child’s social communication, patterns of repetitive or restricted behavior, and overall functioning and behavior.

The research team, led by Anick Bérard from the University of Montreal, analyzed data from 145,456 children born in Quebec, Canada, between 1998 and 2009. The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.

On the other hand, the researchers found no link between taking antidepressants during the first three months of pregnancy or within a year before pregnancy and the risk of autism in newborns.

The researchers emphasized that women should discuss antidepressant use with their doctors to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before continuing treatment.