From The Netherlands, a team of medical researchers led by E.J. Mulder published a study titled “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect neurobehavioral development in the human fetus.” in the September, 2011 edition of Neuropsychopharmacology examining the relationship between exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs) and adverse birth outcomes.
The team states “The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) utilized by pregnant women influence fetal neurobehavioral development. In this observational study we investigated developmental milestones of fetal behavior during the pregnancy of women with psychiatric disorders who took SSRIs throughout gestation (medicated group; n=96) or who had discontinued medication early in gestation or before conception (unmedicated group; n=37).” The birth outcomes for these women were compared to those for a control group of 130 healthy women.
Results showed that “Fetuses exposed to standard or high SSRI dosages compared with control, unmedicated, or low-medicated fetuses showed significantly increased motor activity at the beginning (T1) and end of the second trimester (T2). They particularly exhibited disrupted emergence of non-rapid eye movement (non-REM; quiet) sleep during the third trimester, characterized by continual bodily activity and, thus, poor inhibitory motor control during this sleep state near term (T3).”
Furthermore, the team found that “The SSRI effects on the fetus were dose related, but independent of SSRI type. The results demonstrate changes in fetal neurobehavioral development associated with standard and high SSRI dosages that are observable throughout gestation.”
Since so many women have used drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft unaware of the risk for adverse birth outcomes, SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed around the world.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a birth defect, 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, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.