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The Most Common Birth Defects Linked To Antidepressant Use By Pregnant Women

By Caleb Chao'

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 14Nov2011 Word count: 687 Viewed: 77 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Efficient and with less pronounced side effects than previous types, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class antidepressants, are the most widely used among antidepressants used for the treatment of depression and other disorders such as panic disorder, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The early success of SSRI class antidepressants is nowadays somewhat diminished in regard to certain members of the class (Zoloft is one example), due to recent findings of clinical studies.

So, what are the actual risks for a child exposed to Zoloft in utero? The following is a list of potential Zoloft birth defects that can develop in case of fetal exposure to the drug:

Abdominal wall defects: born with organs outside their body, newborns suffering from this condition need delicate correction surgery with the risk of infections or other complication.

PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn): a respiratory deficiency, this condition is characterized by high blood pressure and poor respiration caused by the failure of circulation transition during the early hours of the baby's life. Unlike most birth defects Zoloft can cause, this can prove to be fatal.

Pulmonary valve defect or pulmonary atresia: in pulmonary atresia, a solid sheet of tissue forms where the valve opening on the right side of the heart should be, and the valve remains closed obstructing proper blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. Symptoms including cyanosis, rapid breathing and nursing problems show immediately after birth. Treatment has to begin right away and often includes open-heart surgery, sometimes heart transplantation.

Atrial septal defect: occurring relatively often among Zoloft birth defects, the condition is also known as "hole in the heart" and it is a congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the upper filling chambers of the heart. If the hole is small, symptoms may not show until teen age or even later. Larger defects may however lead to serious complications including pulmonary hypertension or permanent lung damage. Treatment includes medications and in some cases surgery.

Tetralogy of Fallot: this is a combination of four separate heart defects: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy. Early detection and appropriate treatment gives children born with this condition the possibility to live a relatively normal life.

Limb reduction: clinical research on Zoloft and birth defects has shown a connection between drug intake during pregnancy and a higher risk of newborns having incompletely formed limbs or, in severe cases absent limbs. Limb defects like webbed fingers or toes can be corrected, but limb reduction that cannot be surgically removed poses as life-long health injury.

Cranial defects: a dangerous type of birth defects Zoloft can cause, and affect skull the formation. Craniosynostosis for instance is a congenital skull deformity where one or more of the sutures of the brain close earlier than they should. The resulting abnormal shape of the head and the high pressure on the brain can lead to unwanted complications.

Why Zoloft causes birth defects such as Craniosynostosis is still unknown, yet women who use the drug while pregnant show two times as high a risk for the development of cranial defects in their babies. These show a link between Zoloft and birth defects, and as a consequence, the U.S. FDA issued several warnings regarding the use of Zoloft by pregnant women.

To be able to protect your well-being and the health of your unborn child, it is wise to learn about potential Zoloft birth defects and their impact on your family's life. Ask the advice of a physician you trust and make sure to always inform him/her whenever you are thinking of stopping, or starting medication. If despite all good intentions and precautions taken, your child is affected by congenital malformation and you believe there is a link to your Zoloft use, it is time to look for a qualified attorney.

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