Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drugs such as Prozac can lead to many serious conditions if taken during pregnancy. The use of Prozac has been linked to a variety of severe birth defects. The affected child has to struggle with these complications for months, or even years after birth and the treatment costs and therapy fees is usually astronomical.
A study that was published in the journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2011 revealed that mothers who were exposed to Prozac during early pregnancy were at a greater risk of giving birth to babies with isolated ventricular septal defects. This is a serious condition which causes a hole to be formed between the right and left sides of the heart. The study reported that exposure to Prozac can double the risk of developing such heart defects.
Hypertrophic Pyloric StenosisAnother birth defects-drug exposure study that has been reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) points to a significant association between the use of Prozac by pregnant women and the occurrence of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) or the blockage of intestines of the newborn baby. The child will have to undergo a surgery to get rid of this problem.
AutismA study which has been published in the Archives of General Psychiatry looks at the link between the use of SSRI drugs such Prozac and the risk of developing Autism. It was found that mothers who were exposed to SSRI during the first trimester of pregnancy were four times more likely to give birth to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Premature birthsThere is a general consensus amongst experts that the use of antidepressants is not safe during pregnancy. According to a study whose findings were reported by Reuters Health, when pregnant women use SSRI drugs such as Prozac, their babies may be born prematurely and have a seizure soon after birth. The study looked at around 229,000 babies born to Tennessee mothers, and found that those babies whose mothers took SSRIs during second trimester of pregnancy were more likely to be born early.
Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)A 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported an increased risk of Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) disorder amongst babies born to women who took a drug like Prozac after 20 weeks into the pregnancy. The baby is unable to develop normally from the fetus to the newborn stage and cannot adapt to breathing outside the womb. PPHN may prove to be life threatening in severe cases.
Prozac birth defects and legal actionIf your child was born with a birth defect, it is very important to know about your rights and seek legal assistance. You should contact a law firm that specializes in dealing with Prozac lawsuits. The attorney will evaluate your case and help you to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug. You may be eligible for financial compensation for the expenses you've had to incur during the course of the treatment as well as the pain and suffering that you've gone through.
To request for more information, please fill out the form on this page.Q:I have read some side effects related to Prozac and pregnancy. Can you tell me how can one prevent them?
A:If you have been using Prozac in pregnancy, it is important to contact your health care provider immediately. Prozac can have various side effects on the mother an d the baby. These side effects are sometimes life threatening and must be prevented by taking accurate measures. It is recommended that you do not stop the drug abruptly, as it can have withdrawal side effects too.
Q:I have been taking Prozac while pregnant. Is it a safe drug?
A:Prozac has not been given a clean bill of health by doctors. It can have various side effects, particularly on the pregnant women and babies. The risk of these side effects is higher in the first three months of pregnancy but the drug can be quite dangerous throughout the period. You must contact your doctor regarding the possible side effects of the medicine.
Q:Is Prozac safe during pregnancy?
A:Prozac cannot be called a safe drug to be used in pregnancy. It is generally prescribed for depression in pregnant women, but it is not without serious side effects. The side effects are not limited to the mother, but babies can also suffer from various birth defects. You must talk to your doctor for an alternate solution or a safer option to treat depression.
Q:Is Prozac safe for pregnancy?
A:Prozac has not been given a clean bill of health by doctors. If the drug is used in pregnancy, it can have a number of serious side effects on the mother, as well as the unborn baby. Some fatal side effects of the drug include heart and organ defects, autism, and premature births.
Q:I have heard of several side effects of Prozac on pregnancy. Should I stop taking the medicine?
A:The use of Prozac can be quite dangerous in pregnancy. It can negatively affect the health of the mother, as well as the baby. However, it is not recommended that you stop using the medicine abruptly. As there can be several withdrawal side effects of the medicine as well. You must consult your doctor for correct guidance.