The Possible Effects To Babies On Zoloft-Exposed Pregnancy
One of the most recommended drug for major depression, Zoloft, belongs to the type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. To ensure its effectiveness and prevent hazards, strict adherence to the regimen needs to be followed. Furthermore, this drug is greatly influenced by other substance, for example, drinking Zoloft and alcohol may cause a wide range of health problems.
Unfortunately, things may not go so well for this drug as complaints about birth defects associated with Zoloft use are rising in number. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women who took Zoloft in their first few months of pregnancy had twice the risk of having a baby born with a heart defect. Though, this may just be a part of the entire.
Medical experts are now trying to establish the link between Zoloft and the following birth defects:
A club foot is the downward and inward turning of one or both feet. It is the most common congenital disorder of the legs which may range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid. Management of the problem may involve moving the foot into the correct position and applying a cast which is necessary to maximize the function of foot.
Cleft lip or palate is a fissure or an opening on the upper lip or the roof of the mouth(palate). Nonetheless, this can be repaired through a surgery which can be done when the child is still 3 months of age.
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. Care of the newborn with PPHN must be meticulous involving a continuous monitoring of oxygenation, blood pressure and perfusion. The patient may be given with dopamine and dobutamine as well as surfactants which helps ease vascular resistance.
There are many cardiac defects linked to Zoloft intake ranging from minor anomaly to grave consequences. This may cripple the heart from working properly emanating developmental problems to the child or even worse – death. Most of the time, congenital heart defects require surgical repair but there sometimes when the defect is minimal, it heals by itself.
Brain and spinal cord defects refer to several abnormalities that occurred in the neural tube, precursor of the brain and the spinal cord, resulting from failure of the tube to close. Despite the surgical intervention to improve its outward physique, the damage to the nervous system may not be corrected as well which may end in a lifelong physical and emotional endeavor to the child.
Considering the severity of these birth defects, it is vital to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plans to become pregnant before taking on a Zoloft therapy. The physical and emotional endeavors your child will endure may be tough and lifelong.