In 2012, H. El Marroun et al published a study titled “Maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fetal growth, and risk of adverse birth outcomes.” in Archives of General Psychiatry. This further demonstrates the breadth of knowledge in the medical community regarding the connection between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs and adverse birth outcomes.
Including 7,696 pregnant women in this study, intake tests showed that “7027 pregnant mothers (91.3%) had no or low depressive symptoms, 570 pregnant mothers (7.4%) had clinically relevant depressive symptoms and used no SSRIs, and 99 pregnant mothers (1.3%) used SSRIs.”
Results showed that “Fetuses from mothers with prenatal depressive symptoms showed reduced body growth … and head growth”. SSRI use by mothers was associated with reduced head growth, not body growth. “The SSRI-exposed children were at higher risk for preterm birth (odds ratio=2.14; 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.25; P=.03).” This means that children born to mothers who used SSRIs during pregnancy were 2.14 times as likely to be born prematurely.
Because many expecting mother have used antidepressants like SSRIs unaware of these risks, many SSRI lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth prematurely, gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or another ailment, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of SSRI birth defect lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.