Children whose mothers had depression during pregnancy face a higher risk of special educational needs, a large new study suggests. Researchers at the University of Glasgow tracked more than 167,000 children born in Wales between 2009 and 2016, following them until 2022. The findings were published in PLOS Medicine. About 24 in every 100 children of mothers with untreated depression had special educational needs. This compared with 20 in 100 children with no exposure to depression. Antidepressant use added only about three extra cases per 100 children. The needs included autism, ADHD and learning, behavioural and emotional difficulties. Lead researcher Saraid McIlvride said the long-term effects of antidepressants on child development remain unclear. Untreated depression in pregnancy carries its own risks. This makes it hard for women to decide about medication. The study does not prove that depression or drugs directly cause the difficulties. Experts say better screening and support during pregnancy could help both mother and child. Mothers should not feel blamed, as depression is a medical condition.