In December 2011, a team of medical researchers led by A. Roca from Barcelona published an article in Journal of Affective Disorders titled “Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes after prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: the relevance of dose.”, with the purpose of evaluating “the effects of prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes.” I should note that over the past two decades, dozens of studies have found dramatically-increased risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome and neonatal behavioral syndrome after gestational exposure to SSRI drugs.
This case-control study “was conducted to compare perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with affective disorder (DSM-IV criteria) and who received SSRIs during pregnancy with those of women without an active psychiatric disorder during pregnancy who were non-exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Each case was matched to two controls for maternal age (± 2 years) and parity.”
Studying 84 women who used SSRIs during pregnancy and comparing their birth outcomes with 168 women who used no SSRIs, the team found that “The mean gestational age at birth was 38.8 (± 1.86) weeks for the exposed group and 39.4 (± 1.52) weeks for the non-exposed group (p=.005). Rates for preterm birth were higher in the exposed group (OR=3.44, 95% CI=1.30-9.11). After stratification for dose, it was found that exposure to a high-dose was associated with lower gestational age (p=.009) and higher rates of prematurity (OR=5.07, 95% CI=1.34-19.23). The differences remained significant after controlling for maternal status and the length of exposure.” (emphasis added.)
This means that SSRI exposure (at all) was associated with a three-fold increased risk for preterm birth, and that high-dose SSRI exposure was linked to a five-fold increased risk for premature birth.
Due to the fact that the manufacturers of many SSRI drugs have failed to sufficiently inform users of these risks, SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed in great number around the world.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or who had perinatal complications, your family 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, experience, and resources 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.