Over the past two decades, a number of medical research teams have linked SSRI use during pregnancy and birth defects, developmental disorders like autism, and adverse birth outcomes such as neonatal abstinence syndrome. And, a December 2002 article in American Journal of Psychiatry titled “Outcomes of prenatal antidepressant exposure.” published by a team led by G.E. Simon from The Center of Health Studies (Seattle, Washington) gives more insight into the link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and birth defects.
This study team writes, “Within a group-model health maintenance organization, all infants with apparent prenatal exposure to tricyclic or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants were frequency matched to an unexposed comparison group by year of birth, maternal age, and mother’s lifetime use of antidepressant drugs and mental health care. A structured blind review of mothers’ and infants’ medical records examined perinatal outcomes, congenital malformations, and developmental delay.”
After careful statistical analyses, G.E. Simon et al. (2002) found that “Exposure to SSRIs was associated with a 0.9-week decrease in mean gestational age, a 175-g decrease in mean birth weight, and a 0.29 decrease in mean Apgar,” concluding simply that “SSRI exposure during pregnancy was associated with earlier delivery and consequent lower birth weight”, “Third-trimester SSRI exposure was also associated with lower Apgar scores” and “Women considering taking SSRIs during pregnancy may balance any higher fetal risk against the risk of persistent or recurrent depression.”
Due to the fact that the manufacturers of many SSRI drugs have failed time and again to adequately warm women of these risks, SSRI birth defect lawsuits are being filed around the world seeking compensation for undue injury to innocent newborns.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or who had perinatal complications, 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 experience, 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.