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SSRI Birth Defects

The prospect of SSRI birth defects creates a serious dilemma for pregnant women who suffer from depression. SSRI drugs have been widely prescribed for decades. One example is Prozac, introduced by Eli Lilly in 1986, it was the first drug of its kind to target specific chemicals in the brain. Some researchers believe that depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, and that by increasing one of the chemicals that affect a positive mood, they can lessen the symptoms of depression. SSRI drugs, including medications like Paxil and Zoloft, are known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and they all work in the brain to increase the chemical serotonin.

Like many medicines, SSRI had some mild side effects. Patients reported having headaches, nausea, weakness and anxiety. For women who used SSRI and became pregnant, the potential for side effects became a serious issue.

The March of Dimes reports that 20% of pregnant women have symptoms of depression. Some of them have already been diagnosed and are being treated. Others may first develop the symptoms during pregnancy. In any case, when a women who is depressed, pregnant and takes SSRI medications, she increases the risk of her baby being born with serious birth defects.

SSRI and Early and Mid-Pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, an SSRI may affect the development of the baby’s heart. Defects in the septal wall, or holes in the heart can occur. These problems can cause the heart to pump inefficiently. Although these defects may correct themselves over time, if the hole is large enough surgery may be required to close it.

During the baby’s development in utero, the abdomen grows to accommodate the intestines. Until that growth is complete, the intestines extend from the abdomen into the umbilical cord. In some SSRI birth defects, the abdomen does not grow enough for the intestines to fit back inside. Instead, the intestines create a hernia that pushes into the umbilical cord, and later, into the naval opening. Surgery is necessary to re-position the intestines into the abdomen.

Another type of SSRI birth defect occurs when the bony plates in the baby’s skull fuse together prematurely. This may not give the baby’s head enough room for growth. Pressure in the brain and facial abnormalities can result.

SSRI and Late Pregnancy

One of the most life-threatening birth defects can occur when SSRI is taken during the third trimester. Babies may develop a condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, or PPHN. Before birth, babies receive oxygen through the umbilical cord. At birth, the baby’s lungs take on the job of bringing oxygen into the body. When a baby has PPHN, his body does not make the automatic conversion, and he cannot get enough air. Emergency medical treatment is usually necessary for the baby to survive.

If your child or someone you love has been affected by any of these SSRI birth defects, you are encouraged to talk to an attorney about your legal rights including being part of an SSRI class action lawsuit.

Author Resource:-

David Harris is the author of this article on Class Action Lawsuit.
Find more information about Class Action Lawsuits here.


Submitted 2010-08-02 05:58:36
By: Larson John 99 or more times read
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