In a large study of pregnant women, Canadian researchers have found that taking antidepressants increased the risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) by 53 percent. Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure.
When SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) were considered in a sub-group analysis, women taking paroxetine (Paxil®) alone were at an 81 percent increased risk of developing PIH. The researchers said further studies were needed to verify these early results.
If a woman develops high blood pressure (a reading of 140/90 or higher) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, she is said to have PIH or gestational hypertension. Problems with PIH become more serious the earlier in the pregnancy the women develops hypertension and the more severe it is.
Complications that PIH can cause in the pregnant mother include reduced blood flow to the liver, brain, uterus, kidneys and placenta. In the fetus, PIH is a concern because it can lead poor fetal growth and stillbirth.
PIH also can lead to a serious condition during pregnancy called preeclampsia. This can result in poor fetal growth and the following possible dangers to the mother:
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Heart and circulatory system problems
- Eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia that can cause seizures and affect the breakdown of red blood cells, how the blood clots, and liver function
The researchers conducting the study were faculty members at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
Women who take SSRIs during their pregnancies also run the risk of having complications with their babies. Reports show that there might be an increase in the risk of certain birth defects in babies whose mothers take SSRI such as Paxil®, Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro® and Celexa®.
Birth defects that have been reported by mothers who took an SSRI while pregnant include, heart and lung defects, stomach defects, head and skull defects, and limb abnormalities. If your baby is born with a birth defect and you took an SSRI while you were pregnant, the attorneys at Flood Law Group may be able to help you.
To schedule a free review of your case, please contact us today.
