From anti-depressants to anti-seizure medication, there are several drugs that can prove harmful to pregnant women and their babies. Unborn children are susceptible to harm as they develop, and dangerous medications could cause lifelong difficulties or disorders. If a child has suffered birth defects as a result of a medication taken by the mother during pregnancy, there may be grounds for compensation.

Common birth defects include:

• Congenital heart defects and anomalies
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
• Down’s syndrome
• Blindness
• Spina bifida
• Clubfoot
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Cranial birth defects
  • Anencephaly
  • Craniosynostosis
• Omphalocele

Celexa

This anti-depressant and SSRI has been linked to serious birth defects, such as shortened or absent limbs, malformed lips or mouth, and heart defects.

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Effexor

Manufactured by Wyeth, this anti-depressant increases the risk of birth defects, such as hindered development of the heart and lungs.

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Lexapro

This anti-depressant drug was aggressively marketed, to the point that the Justice Department charged the company for pushing the drug toward teenagers and children, for whom the drug was not approved. It carries the potential for serious side effects, including birth defects.

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Topomax

Anticonvulsants or epilepsy drugs have been linked to an increased risk of cleft palate and cleft lip.

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Zofran

This anti-nausea medication is often prescribed to pregnant women, but it carries a risk of heart defects, cleft lip, and cleft palate developing in infants who are suscetible to the drug.

Learn more about Zofran lawsuits