Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Linked To Birth Defects

Medications are always eyed with suspicion by pregnant women for the potential harm they might cause to their unborn children. Yet how often does a woman become pregnant even after allegedly protected intercourse? Since by and large many contraceptives tout their abilities to prevent unwanted pregnancies, women by and large have come to rely on the gels, creams, pills, patches and shots, and thus a missed period does not alarm them – immediately. It is therefore quite natural that women who are not attempting to get pregnant will take medications which otherwise they might think twice about ingesting. When something goes awry and a pregnancy does occur, the expectant mother quite frequently finds herself unprepared to deal with the sudden withdrawal of the medication as well as the worry and heartache that comes from the potential of having permitted a substance to contribute to a birth defect without ever being aware of it.

What makes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such a double edged sword is the fact that they fall into the category of drugs that some women have to take in order to function daily. Commonly known as SSRI, these medications fall under the category of psychopharmacology and include prescriptions for the treatment of panic attacks, severe depression, diagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder, and also moderate to severe anxiety. Yet SSRI have been found to play a role in the development of congenital birth defects in unborn children. The risk is heightened if the drugs are taken during the first trimester, but even a later ingestion of these substances has been noted to contribute to fetal malformations.

It is interesting to note that the medical literature now warns about the possibility of the development of congenital birth defects, yet does not specifically name them. At this point in time physicians readily acknowledge that while the risk for fetal abnormalities is notably increased by the utilization of SSRI drugs during any time of the pregnancy, there is not one specific birth defect associated with them; thus, a group of 10 women being treated with SSRI for severe depression during pregnancy may give birth to children which may or may not show evidence of any malformation; furthermore, the abnormalities noted after birth may range from barely noticeable birthmarks to severe defects affecting the brain and organs.

While of course the safest course of action is to avoid any and all SSRI for the duration of a pregnancy, for many women this is not a realistic solution. Instead, the expectant mother and her physicians must work together closely to find alternatives – if possible – for the damaging drugs and instead help her control her disorders either with different medications that do not fall under the umbrella of SSRI, or closely monitor her and the unborn child for any signs of trouble or abnormalities. In addition to the foregoing, a strong support system that will help the mother deal with worries, fears, and even panic attacks needs to firmly be put in place to help the pregnancy proceed normally and without being accompanied by the fears the mother may be experiencing. Similarly, if you are in the position of finding yourself pregnant and relying on SSRI for your daily ability to function, search out a highly experienced obstetrician who will work closely with your psychiatrist to ensure that both you and your child will receive the best care.