Final answer:
SSRIs are a class of medications used to treat depression and other disorders that have been suggested to carry some risks when used during the first trimester of pregnancy due to their potential teratogenic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have been suggested to have potential risks when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. These medications, which include widely known drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, and paroxetine, are designed to increase levels of serotonin in the central nervous system by blocking its reuptake into the presynaptic neuron. The concern lies in the potential for these medications to act as teratogens, which are substances that can cause developmental problems in a fetus. Although SSRIs are generally safer in terms of anticholinergic side effects compared to older antidepressants, their use during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, requires careful consideration due to the possible risks of congenital anomalies or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.