In 2010, a team of prominent SSRI birth defects researchers led by A. Einarson (Toronto) published a study in Depression and Anxiety titled “Adverse effects of antidepressant use in pregnancy: an evaluation of fetal growth and preterm birth.”  Here, the team’s stated objective was “To compare the rates of low birth weight, preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA), in pregnancy outcomes among women who were exposed and nonexposed to antidepressants during pregnancy.”

Analyzing birth outcomes of about 1,200 women in the Motherisk Program database who used antidepressants during pregnancy, 928 women met inclusion criteria and were matched with 928 control mother-child pairs.

Results showed that “There were 82 (8.8%) preterm deliveries in the antidepressant group and 50 (5.4%) in the comparison group.”  This means that children born to mothers who used antidepressants in pregnancy were 70% more likely to be born prematurely.  Babies exposed to maternal antidepressants during pregnancy were also found to be 19% more likely to be born small for gestational age.

As such, Einarson et al. (2010) concluded that “The use of antidepressants in pregnancy appears to be associated with a small, but statistically significant increased rate in the incidence of preterm births, confirming results from several other studies.”

Due to the fact that the manufacturers of many SSRI drugs have failed to warn women of these and other serious risks, thousands of SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed.

If you or a loved one used SSRIs during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with a birth defect, 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 experience required to win the justice you deserve.  Call today and see how we can help.

(855) 452 – 5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.