Multiple Studies Show Increased Risk of Preterm Births when Mother Taking AntiDepressants
A new study conducted by doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has concluded that women who take antidepressants during their second and third trimesters may have an increased risk of preterm birth.
A preterm birth is one that occurs at least three weeks before a baby’s due date. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the earlier a baby is born, the more severe health problems can be. Some of the more serious health problems of babies who are born prematurely include cerebral palsy, breathing or respiratory issues, feeding and digestive issues, intellectual disabilities, visual and hearing loss.
Premature birth is the leading cause of infant deaths. The number of premature births has been increasing over the past twenty years and today, one out of every eight pregnancies ends in a preterm birth. The use of antidepressants during pregnancy has also increased over the past two decades.
The researchers examined 41 studies that had looked at the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. The data revealed that the risks of premature labor and birth were much higher in the second and third trimesters. The complication of premature births was related to the medication and not to the depression itself.
A study conducted in 2007 showed similar results. Researchers followed the pregnancies of 90 women. Sixty-one of the women suffered from depression. Of those 61, 49 were taking anti-depressants. The remaining 22 women were not taking any antidepressant medication. The study’s results showed that the women were taking the antidepressant were at a higher risk of delivering prematurely and were also at a higher risk of delivering babies with special care needs.
Another study conducted in 2003 also concluded there was a link between antidepressants and premature births. That study followed 138 pregnant women who were taking anti-depressants and found that these women were at a higher risk for premature birth.
If you have suffered serious side-effects or injury from a prescribed medication, contact an experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney to find out what compensation you may be entitled to for pain and loss.
