The use of antidepressants by pregnant women poses limited risk of birth defects, according to new studies published Thursday.

Research published in this week’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that using newer antidepressant drugs, namely selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of birth defects but only in remote cases.

As many as one in five pregnant women may present symptoms of depression, according to the American Pregnancy Association, which can have such unwanted consequences such as premature birth or low weight at birth.

Taking antidepressants is an option that pregnant women need to discuss with their doctors, balancing out the pros and cons. While overall risk of delivering a child with a birth defect is very small, the US Centers for Disease and Prevention said in a statement that the use of SSRIs might pose certain risks.

“Researchers, did, however, find associations between SSRI use and three specific birth defects: a defect of the brain, one type of abnormal skull development and a gastrointestinal abnormality,” the statement said.

“CDC plans to continue to study the association to clarify whether a true risk exists,” it added.

Among SSRIs are Prozac, made by Eli Lilly and Co.; Lexapro, made by Forest Laboratories Inc. and Zoloft, made by Pfizer. Researchers linked use of Glaxo's Paxil to a defect that affects blood flow to the lungs; Pfizer's Zoloft was linked to two rare disorders.