Four Kinds of Medicine That Can Be Dangerous During Pregnancy

Each time you take a bite of food, a sip of liquid, or a dose of medication you think about your unborn baby. Are you doing the right thing for your child? Is it safe?

Many prescription medications are not tested on pregnant women since drugs could have a catastrophic effect on an unborn child who is obviously unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Yet, it is estimated that about 70% of pregnant women take at least one prescription drug. These women are dependent on pharmaceutical companies’ sharing reports of adverse effects that they receive after the drug has been on the market.

Is That Too Little Too Late?

Sometimes, pharmaceutical companies know or should reasonably know about medications that could cause harm to pregnant women, but do not share that information with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), doctors, or patients.

Some examples of medications that have resulted in injuries to unborn children include:

• Anti-epileptic drugs. Epilepsy doesn’t take a break during pregnancy. It remains a serious medical condition that requires treatment. However, certain medications to treat epilepsy have been linked to developmental delays, spina bifida, autism, and cleft palates.
• Pain medication. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is one of the primary concerns for infants born to mothers who took opioid pain medication during pregnancy. While pain needs to be managed effectively for pregnant women, it is important for women to talk to their doctors before taking any kind of medication.
• Decongestants. Rare but serious side effects have been reported from some decongestants taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• SSRI antidepressants. SSRIs are a common form of antidepressant medication, but they have been linked to dangerous complications for pregnant women and their unborn children. There are other ways to treat depression that might not carry the same risks.

If you or your child has been hurt by a prescription medication, then it is important to take action quickly. You may have your hands full, but your speedy response could protect your rights and provide your family with the compensation that can help you help your child. To learn more, please contact us via this website or by phone any time. We would be pleased to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with you so that you can learn more.