{"id":353197,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:56","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/antidepressants-and-pregnancy-risks-and-injuries.html"},"modified":"2023-11-10T14:56:57","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T19:56:57","slug":"antidepressants-and-pregnancy-risks-and-injuries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/antidepressants-and-pregnancy-risks-and-injuries.html","title":{"rendered":"Antidepressants and Pregnancy: Risks and Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Antidepressants and Pregnancy: Risks and Injuries<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Some antidepressants have been linked to birth defects when taken during pregnancy. However, research is mixed. Potential risks include conditions such as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, cleft palate, and low birth weight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As many as one in four women suffers from depression during pregnancy. Yet, considerable controversy surrounds the use of antidepressants by pregnant women.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors<\/a> (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These include Zoloft<\/a> and Paxil<\/a>. But some studies show that antidepressants may have harmful side effects for pregnant women.<\/p>\n

This section discusses the debate over whether antidepressants cause congenital disabilities. It also highlights the prescription medications that are more likely to cause issues for pregnant women and their babies. Finally, it explains what to do if you believe these drugs injured you or your baby.<\/p>\n

Informed consent<\/a> is especially crucial for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical companies have a legal obligation to ensure their medications carry adequate warnings regarding risks and side effects. Medical providers also must disclose a drug’s risks before prescribing. If you used an antidepressant during pregnancy and your baby was born with a birth defect or illness, you may have a legal claim. A product liability attorney<\/a> can help you understand your legal rights.<\/p>\n

Antidepressants Linked to Birth Defects<\/h2>\n

According to the\u00a0National Institute of Mental Health<\/a>\u00a0(NIMH), more than 21 million Americans suffer from depression. This includes pregnant women.<\/p>\n

One of the most common treatments for those with depression is prescription drugs<\/a>. However, these medications have side effects. They may also cause congenital disabilities.<\/p>\n

Although there may be risks for pregnant patients who take antidepressants, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you change your medications.<\/p>\n

Do Antidepressants Cause Birth Defects?<\/h2>\n

There is much debate over whether antidepressants cause congenital disabilities. There is evidence that some of these drugs may cause adverse health issues for your child at birth.<\/p>\n

Some\u00a0potential risks<\/a>\u00a0include the following:<\/p>\n