Anti-Depressants, Pregnancy, and Malpractice

When women are pregnant, they are warned to be vigilant about everything they do because it may be dangerous to their unborn child. In many cases, the “don’ts” far exceed the “do’s” including ingesting many kinds of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Pregnant women, like most patients, rely on their doctors to know which of those medications will pose those dangerous threats to unborn babies. And yet, despite the numerous studies that have been done about the dangers of giving pregnant women antidepressants, doctors continue to write out prescriptions.

In one study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, researchers found that pregnant women who are prescribed antidepressants during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy face a higher risk of giving birth too early.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the leading cause of death infant death is premature birth. A premature birth is one that occurs at three weeks or more before the infant’s due date. Premature births can cause many medical problems for a baby including cerebral palsy, respiratory issues or breathing problems, digestive issues, hearing loss, visual loss, and intellectual disabilities.

There has been a marked increase in premature births over the past two decades. Statistics show that one out of every eight babies is born too early. At the same time, there has also been a marked increase in the use of antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women over the past 20 years. This study, as well as several others that have been conducted over the past ten years, suggests a correlation between the two.

If you or your baby has suffered an injury or illness caused by any medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery, a medical malpractice attorney can pursue appropriate medical malpractice lawsuit against those who are responsible for your family’s suffering.

When You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against a doctor, hospital, or other medical facility can be overwhelming and even a bit intimidating. This is why having a skilled and seasoned medical negligence lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT representing you can make all the difference. They will work diligently to get you the compensation you may be entitled to.

Thanks to Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into medical malpractice and how antidepressants can affect pregnancy.