Medications can Cause Birth Injuries
As part of regular prenatal care, pregnant women should discuss any medications they are currently taking or plan to take with their physician. Some medications can cause birth injuries or defects to the baby.
Most women take over the counter medications and herbal supplements daily. They should discuss each of these with their doctor before taking them during pregnancy. Women will also likely take prescription medication during pregnancy. In fact, over the last 30 years, there has been a 60% increase in the number of pregnant women using prescription drugs during the first trimester.
Medications That May Cause Birth Defects
It is difficult for a mom to know which medications may be harmful to her developing baby. She must be able to rely on drug manufacturers to test their medication and to inform the public if they are detrimental to a maturing fetus. Potentially harmful drugs not suitable during pregnancy include:
- SSRI Medications, typically for depression including:
- Lexapro
- Zoloft
- Prozac
- Paxil
- Symbyax
- Fluvoxamine
- Lexapro
- Benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders
- Antibiotics, commonly prescribed for infections
- Accutane prescribed for acne
- NSAID, available over the counter and by prescription for pain
- Thalidomide, also historically used to treat nausea or morning sickness
- The blood-thinning drug warfarin
- The hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES)
- Zofran, including Zuplenz and generic Ondansetron, typically used to treat nausea or morning sickness
- Diflucan typically used to treat yeast infections
Some of the Birth Defects Caused by Medication
Although this is not a complete list of the birth defects that may be caused by medications, SSRI drugs, for example, have been known to cause:
- Limb abnormalities
- Cleft lip and/or palate
- Heart defects
- Spina Bifida
- Craniosynostosis
- Neural tube defects
- Omphalocele
It is important to go over the potential side effects for both mom and baby before taking or stopping any medication. Mothers may have to weigh the risks and the benefits of taking a particular medication with their physician. A drug manufacturer, however, cannot deprive the mom and doctor of having this conversation by failing to disclose the risks associated with the medication.
Contact an Attorney Handling Cases Involving Birth Injuries Caused by Medication
If you believe your baby was injured due to a medication you were prescribed during pregnancy, you may need the assistance of an attorney to hold the responsible parties accountable for your harm. Chelsie King Garza is available for a free consultation today.
