Clomid (Serophene) has been alleged to significantly increase the risks of birth defects in developing fetuses, particularly skull and heart defects. Experts warn that this risks are so significant that the likelihood of birth defects is increased by 300 percent, according to one study.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mothers who took Clomid have reported birth defects as minor as cleft palate, to devastating birth defects that may include cardiac complications. Legal and medical experts warn that the biggest risks are with mothers who use Clomid without medical supervision. These women oftentimes cannot afford the expense of a fertility treatment drug prescription, so when they purchase Clomid online and use it without medical supervision, these women may inadvertently put their infants at risk for birth defects.

Clomid is prescribed to women who are having trouble becoming pregnant due to ovulation complications, male infertility, or other unknown fertility problems. Clomid works by encouraging the woman’s body to produce more estrogen, to stimulate egg production and ovulation. The drug causes the pituitary gland to manufacture the necessary hormones to induce ovulation, and ultimately prep the woman’s body for pregnancy.

Clomid users are typically met with success, as about 10 percent of these cases result in multiple births. While Clomid can cause a number of side effects associated with hormone manipulation like mood swings, hot flashes, and breast tenderness, it still remains very popular among women who wish to become pregnant. Due to the drug’s convenience, effectiveness, and minimal side effects, it is usually the first treatment option offered by physicians.

Clomid Birth Defect Risk

Clomid’s popularity does not exclude it from the dangers of product-liability charges from affected families. At this point, experts are unsure if there is a relationship between Clomid and birth defects, but it did not stop the FDA from categorizing Clomid as a ‘Category X’ drug. This means that there is evidence of fetal harm, indicated by animal testing.

Experts are currently unsure why Clomid may be inducing this reaction. But it is universally agreed that women are at highest risk when taking Clomid without medical supervision, because they often misjudge the dosage. Ideally, women would a conceive a child after Clomid has completely left their system, so the fetus would not be exposed to the chemical. Instead, some women end up conceiving a baby when the drug is active in the body, or when they use Clomid again without realizing they are pregnant.

These fetuses are vulnerable to birth defects because the first trimester is the most vital stage of development Experts advise women to stop taking Clomid immediately after they become pregnant, but should consult their physicians as soon as possible. Ultimately, experts encourage women to see fertility specialists if they are having trouble conceiving, to increase the chances of a positive birthing experience.