Few Risks of Birth Defects from Use of Certain Anti-Depressants During Pregnancy
The CDC's study was titled: "Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy and the Risk of Birth Defects." It included four SSRI anti-depressant medications including: fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram. The study looked for links between the medications and 18 birth defects; the birth defects included brain, spine, gastro-intestinal, heart and mouth abnormalities.
Researchers discovered during the course of the study that the overall risk of birth defects from maternal use of SSRIs was low. However, the study did find possible links between the medications and three specific birth defects. These defects included brain, gastrointestinal, and skull development abnormalities. The CDC was careful to point out that there was just an association at this time and further study would be required to determine if there was a definite link between the drugs and the birth defects.
A CDC epidemiologist Jennita Reefhuis, who is also one of the authors of the study said: "Overall, our results are generally reassuring with respect to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. We know that both the mother and baby benefit when a pregnant woman with a serious depressive illness is able to stay on some sort of treatment. The risks may vary for different SSRIs and groups of women. It's important that women talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking SSRIs during pregnancy.
Until recently data concerning the affects of SSRI use during pregnancy was limited even though the medications are the most commonly used ones to treat depression in the general population and by pregnant women.
The study subjects were children born between 1997 and 2002. 9,622 had major birth defects; 4,092 did not. The mothers of the children had all taken SSRI's either during pregnancy, or less than one month before becoming pregnant.
A second study concerning the effect of maternal use of SSRI medications on babies also appeared in the June edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. This study had similar findings, though it found links between the medications and different birth defects.. It: "did not find such an association with birth defects overall, but did find significant associations between specific SSRIs and several birth defects."
The CDC pointed out that the decision to use SSRI's during pregnancy needed to be made by a woman and her doctor after taking the women's health conditions and severity of depression in to account.
Sources:
The CDC
Published by A. Kairi
A. Kairi is a natural beauty care and crafting enthusiast that has operated a natural beauty care products business since 2004. She has held dozens of natural beauty care workshops in private venues and at M... View profile
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