What is a common complication associated with infants exposed to SSRI during pregnancy?

Infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy can experience neonatal withdrawal symptoms, also known as neonatal syndrome. This is due to the sudden change in the environment when the infant is born and the cessation of maternal medication. Symptoms can include irritability, tremors, feeding difficulties, increased muscle tone, and respiratory distress, typically presenting within the first few days after birth.

These symptoms arise because SSRIs can affect neurotransmitter systems in both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. The transition from a controlled environment where the fetus is exposed to the medication to an external environment can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms as the infant's brain adjusts to the absence of the drug. In contrast, though SSRIs may be associated with other complications such as low birth weight or jaundice, the most characteristic issue specifically linked to SSRIs in the neonatal period is withdrawal symptoms.