The Possible Effects To Babies On Zoloft-Exposed Pregnancy
Among the many antidepressants from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Zoloft is probably the most widely prescribed. To ensure its effectiveness and prevent hazards, strict adherence to the regimen needs to be followed. Moreover, this drug may interact with other substances, for instance, the mixture of Zoloft and alcohol might cause dangerous effects.
However, this drug may have bad news impending since there are mounting cases of birth defects pointing Zoloft as the prime suspect. It was found in a study issued in the New England Journal of Medicine that women who are taking Zoloft in the early part of their pregnancy have twice the risk of giving to birth to a baby with cardiac defects. Yet, this may not be the only congenital defect linked to Zoloft intake during pregnancy.
Currently, medical professionals are trying to find the connection between Zoloft and these side effects:
Clubbing of the foot is when the foot turns downward and inward. It is the most common congenital disorder of the legs which may range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid. This problem can be treated by correcting the position of the foot and then applying a cast to keep the position of the foot.
Cleft lip or palate is a fissure or an opening on the upper lip or the roof of the mouth(palate). This malformation can be corrected with a surgery which may be conducted as early as 3 months after birth.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a rare but life-threatening case where there is high blood pressure in the lungs, so blood in the pulmonary artery is sent away from the lungs to the other organs through a fetal blood vessel. Management of an infant with PPHN is laborious as it requires constant monitoring of oxygenation, blood pressure and perfusion. It involves the administration of inotropic drugs like dopamine and dobutamine as well as surfactants and mechanical ventilation.
There are several heart defects whose effects may be slight or critical. This may cripple the heart from working properly emanating developmental problems to the child or even worse – death. Oftentimes, surgery is needed to correct the problem but some minor defects heal by themselves.
Brain or spinal cord defects occur when the neural tube, precursor of the central nervous system, fail to properly close. Although surgery may correct its physical appearance, its damage to the nervous system may not be treated which may result in a lifelong physical and emotional hardship.
Birth defects are serious matters thus if you found out that you are pregnant or you are planning to have a child, inform your doctor before starting your Zoloft therapy. This may be something that your child will bear throughout his life.