Zoloft® and Abdominal Birth Defects
Zoloft® (sertraline) and other antidepressants known as SSRI drugs have been linked to serious birth defects including abdominal wall defects. If you are a current or former Zoloft® user and have given birth to a child with abdominal wall defects including gastroschisis or omphalocele, a Zoloft® lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for the damages you and your child have endured.
Types of Abdominal Defects
The two most common types of fetal abdominal wall defects are gastroschisis and omphalocele. Gastroschisis involves a baby that is born with its stomach and bowel outside of the body, protruding through a small opening which is usually just to the right of the belly button. Omphalocele also involves organs on the outside of the body, but they are contained in a sack as part of the umbilical cord.
Symptoms and Complications of Abdominal Birth Defects
Abdominal defects develop early in a pregnancy, and can usually be detected through blood tests and ultrasound tests. When fetal abdominal wall defects are discovered early, specialists can be called in for the birth to make sure the baby is protected. Gastroschisis and omphalocele can both be corrected through surgeries, though the bowels are at risk of damage and infection while they are exposed in both the amniotic fluid and after the birth. Surgeries are performed to correct the abdominal wall defects by placing them back into the abdominal cavity.
Complications of these Zoloft® birth defects can include an underdeveloped abdominal cavity that is unable to hold the organs when the initial surgery is performed. A sack, known as a silo, can be placed around the organs to hold them in place and protect them until the cavity is able to hold them. When they are back inside the body, the opening will be closed up with another surgery.
Zoloft® Birth Defect Risk
Studies have shown that women who take SSRI drugs like Zoloft® (sertraline) during their pregnancies have an increased risk for several birth defects, including abdominal defects. These drugs treat depression by manipulating the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. Congenital abdominal wall defects occur in the first 10 weeks of the pregnancy, which is often before the mother is even aware of the pregnancy.
Contact a Birth Defect Attorney
Anyone who used Zoloft® during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with abdominal wall defects or other birth defects should consult an attorney about their rights. It is possible that the defect is linked to use of the antidepressant. If a link is established, the parents and affected infant might be able to recover compensation to pay for the medical costs associated with the condition as well as for the pain and suffering endured.
To schedule a free and confidential evaluation of your case, please contact a Zoloft® birth defect attorney today.