Zoloft related to heart defects in newborn children

Zoloft is popular among Pittsburgh doctors in treating depression. However, studies have now shown that the use of Zoloft by pregnant women is now being linked to children being born with serious heart defects. And as well as congenital heart defects, use of this medication has also been connected with other birth injuries as well.

Zoloft taken by the pregnant mother appeared to create problems for the child that did not arise with the taking of other anti-depressants. Mothers that have taken Zoloft during the first trimester were almost twice as likely to deliver a child with ventricular outflow and septal defects related to the heart. Even if taken as late as the third trimester, the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension was also great.

If as a parent you expect that your child was injured during pregnancy, it would be a good idea to consult with an attorney accustomed to trying such cases and familiar with the medical malpractice area. Such attorneys can at least advise on possible options that such parents can pursue.

It has long been known that whatever the mother takes into her body during pregnancy could ultimately affect the well being of the child she was carrying. Because of this, doctors need to take every precaution in prescribing any medication to a mother who is expecting a child.

Medical science has advanced and with such advancements more will be expected of the doctor as far as training and education is concerned. Practices that may have been commonplace 20-years ago can no longer be allowed if time has shown such practices to cause injuries to patients. Doctors therefore need to keep themselves informed of the good and bad attributes of every medication.

Source: chron.com, “Zoloft During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Heart Defects Risk,” March 16, 2012