Common Antidepressants Too Risky During Pregnancy, Researchers Say

The authors also pointed to a 2011 study from Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California that found a "twofold increased risk of autism spectrum disorders associated with maternal treatment with SSRI antidepressants during the pregnancy, with the strongest effect associated with treatment during the first trimester."

On the other hand, isn't untreated depression in a mother-to-be a hazard for both mother and fetus? According to Currier, sometimes SSRIs remain the best option for women facing this situation.

"Generally speaking, for women with very mild depression, the first course of treatment is that of cognitive behavioral therapy or other non-pharmacological [forms] of treatment," she said. "But in many cases, patients with moderate and severe depression will, in fact, require antidepressant therapy in order to treat their comorbid psychiatric illness, which cannot be ignored or dismissed," Currier added.

However, Urato said that an increasing number of studies are finding that SSRIs have little clinical benefit for mild-to-moderate depression when compared with a placebo (inactive) pill.

Other alternatives may exist for women who are battling depression, added study lead author Alice Domar, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF. The center is described on its Web page as focused on "enhancing the mind/body connection" through interventions such as "acupuncture, psychology, nutrition and restorative yoga."

According to Domar, cognitive behavioral therapy, in which patients learn how to direct their thinking and behavior to more constructive ends, probably has the most evidence behind it.

Exercise also has demonstrated efficacy, and yoga may have some benefit, she added.