Every year an estimated 120,000 U.S. babies — one in every 33 births — are born with birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Birth defects can have a life-changing impact on an infant’s physical and mental development and function and are a leading cause of infant deaths. Children born with birth defects often face a lifetime of specialized medical treatment and care.

Last month, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert warning of a potential link between certain antidepressants and birth defects. According to the FDA alert, taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants during pregnancy may increase the risk of a rare heart and lung birth defect known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. In its alert, the FDA warned against the use of the following antidepressants during pregnancy: Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Pexeva, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyaz, Viibryd and Zoloft.

When a child is born with birth defects, the financial and emotional burden on the child’s family can be extreme. Some birth defects, such as developmental delays and injuries to the heart or other internal organs, may not become evident for several years after a child’s birth. If you were prescribed antidepressants during your pregnancy, even if your infant shows no immediate indication of birth defects, contact the St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman for a free case review. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your child’s personal injuries.