Antidepressants During Pregnancy Is Linked To Clubfoot
In the United States, about 1 of every 1,000 babies are born with clubfoot. It is a relatively common birth defect that can affect one or both feet and ranges from mild to severe. “Congenital Talipes Equinovarus” is what medical experts call clubfoot and it is usually manifested by the foot turning inward and downward at birth.
Its cause is unknown but there have been studies that point to antidepressants such as Zoloft to cause other birth defects other than septal and enlarged heart.
Clubfoot does not cause any discomfort or pain and a baby with this malformation would continue developing normally until he or she starts to stand and walk. If left untreated, the child could be left to walk on the sides of their feet. This could be further complicated by infection on the part used for walking and over time, it could lead to arthritis.
This malformation could be treated through non-surgical means. Usually, it involves manipulation, casting, splinting, and taping. The aim for this treatment is to restore the normal function of the foot. An orthopedic specialist is usually the person to address this. It is ideal that clubfoot be treated as soon as it is detected after birth since this is when the newborn’s bones is easiest to reshape.
Nowadays, many experts believe that genetic and environmental factors contribute to clubfoot. Factors in the environment include smoking, infection and drug use. Zoloft, an antidepressant drug utilized to handle mood disorders as well as depression, is actually approved for use to pregnant women. Classified by the FDA as a drug that could cause potential harm to the developing fetus, Zoloft is one of the drugs being scrutinized because it allegedly cause an array of birth defects among newborns.
When your child or a loved one has clubfoot as a result of Zoloft use, you may take legal action. Its manufacturer has an obligation to answer the apparent flaws in its product. There are law firms that offer a free consultation to those who have been affected by the drug in order to find out if a valid claim can be made against the company.
Increased attention on Zoloft and its side effects among pregnant women and their newborns become apparent. Follow updates and details on the issue here.