A study conducted by researchers in Finland is among the most recent additions to a growing body of evidence linking the use of antidepressants during pregnancy to an elevated risk of serious and potentially fatal birth defects.
The study, which analyzed more than 600,000 births over a period of 11 years, examined the effects of using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, during the early months of pregnancy. SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed class of antidepressants in the United States. The study found that women's use of certain SSRIs during the first trimester of pregnancy corresponds to higher rates of major birth defects, especially those affecting the heart.
Popular Medications Implicated in Heart Defects
According to the study, some types of SSRIs carried a higher risk of birth defects than others. Specifically, the researchers found that the risk of heart defects doubled for infants whose mothers had taken fluoxetine (marketed under the brand names Prozac and Sarafem) during the first three months of pregnancy, and quadrupled among those whose mothers used paroxetine (sold as Paxil or Pexeva).
In addition to an increased risk of cardiac anomalies, SSRI use by pregnant women has been linked to a number of other medical issues among newborns, including low birth weight, hernias, respiratory problems and increased admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. In some cases, the problems associated with SSRI use during pregnancy can be treated effectively through surgery or other medical treatment, but in other cases they may lead to lifelong complications and decreased quality of life.
Legal Help for Victims and Families
If your child has a birth defect that you believe may have been caused by medication taken during pregnancy, contact a lawyer who is experienced in obtaining compensation for families affected by birth injuries. An attorney can discuss the situation with you and help you decide if legal action is right for you and your family.
