How to Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects if You Take Medication

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is spreading awareness for pregnant women who are taking medication. This information is meant to keep mothers informed of the possible side effects their medications carry for themselves, as well as the possible side effects that may carry over to their children.

Mothers who are expecting want the best for their upcoming child, but those who are on medications are often concerned about what to do. On one hand, they wish to stay healthy by continuing their medication, but they also do not want to run the risk of exposing their babies to the possibility of birth defects.

Women who are on SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants have had some the heaviest concerns regarding this issue, in light of recent scientific findings. According to medical experts, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and recent studies, SSRIs have been found to increase the risk of birth defects in unborn children who were exposed to them while in their mother’s womb. In order to shed light on the confusion pregnant may face on this women, the CDC is sharing information with pregnant or concerned mothers.

According to the CDC, the side effects of specific medications that are used during pregnancy depend on several different factors:

• How much medication was taken during the pregnancy
• What stage of the pregnancy the medication was taken
• Other health conditions the mother may have
• Other medications the mother may be taking

In addition to pregnant mothers, the CDC also argues that spreading this awareness is also important for the general welfare of the public. The CDC states that it is important for the public to be aware of these facts for the following reasons:

• Common exposure: Most women (about 90 percent) take at least one medication during pregnancy and about 70 percent take at least one prescription medication. Over the last 30 years, first trimester use of prescription medications has increased more than 60 percent.
• Unknown risks to mother and baby: One in every 33 babies born in the United States is born with a birth defect. As of 2011, only 9 percent of medications approved by the FDA from 1980 through 2010 had sufficient data to determine the risk of birth defects, while only about 2 percent of medications approved by the FDA from 2000 through 2010 had sufficient data to determine this risk.

Women who are either pregnant, or are thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future, should always talk to their doctor, whether or not they are currently taking medication. For women who are on medication, especially an SSRI, it is important to keep informed of relevant scientific studies, FDA announcements, litigation movements, and any other activities related to the medication.

Overview of SSRI Antidepressant Pregnancy Complications

SSRIs have been linked to birth defects in unborn children. SSRI birth defects can range in seriousness and form, from Down syndrome to cardiac complications. The most common SSRI birth defects include:

• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN):  a rare problem that affects a newborn’s heart and lungs.
• Heart Defects: Septal defects, or holes in the walls of the heart, which compromises blood circulation.
• Cleft Palate: A gap in the roof of the mouth; can interfere with feeding, speech and breathing.

Though this is not a complete list, here are names of some of the most commonly prescribed SSRI medications:

• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine or olanzapine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)

File a SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of an SSRI birth defect, you have legal options.  Please visit the Zoloft & SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned SSRI birth defect lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees.  The birth defect attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.