One of the most important things for a woman to ensure while she is pregnant is that she remains healthy throughout the the nine-month period. This is because anything that affects the mother will affect the baby in her womb. With that into consideration, women should be aware that any preexisting condition they might have and/or the medications that they are taking can have a profound effect on their pregnancy and their baby. In some cases, this may increase the risk of babies being born with birth weight problems (either overweight or underweight), developmental problems, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, pre-eclampsia, congenital heart block, or deformities. It may even be the cause of death for both mother and child.

Among the preexisting medical conditions that pose a significant health risk for women during pregnancy are anemia, asthma, arthritis, sexually transmitted diseases, heart conditions, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), thyroid disorders, kidney diseases, liver diseases, infections, diabetes, hypertension, eating disorders, epilepsy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), substance abuse, depression, and other mental illnesses. While these conditions can pose complications during pregnancy, it is possible to manage them with medical assistance.

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I understand that the herbal supplement Ginkgo Biloba assists in easing depression and promoting mental acuity. Information I’d reserached even supported taking the herb during pregnancy to encourage prenatal brain development. I had been taking 2 capsules (120mg) regularly prior to my pregnancy, but recently, I cautiously took only one and only once. Now I’m finding information that actually cautions against taking the herb during pregnancy. What major harm and/or symptoms typically result from taking Gingko Biloba while pregnant? Could I have already done any irreparable damage? Thanks.
Thanks much for the heads up, Danielle. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t imagine putting my or my unborn’s health in the hands of a public forum. I have slightly more functioning neurons than that.

I usually just pop in every now and again with a concern or two in between visits, or if I’m looking to weigh outside perspectives, or if I just generally have a question mark that pops into my head about something or other. As a busy senior switching institutions, I don’t always find time to extensively research topics, in addition to the ones I’m bound to for a grade.

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DrugSettlement.com, LLC, reports that one of its member firms,Nix & McIntyre, LLP,, has been ordered by Judge Claire V. Eagan of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, to commence the first federal Paxil Birth Defect trial on January 20, 2009. The case has been profiled in a television news story by News9 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Paxil Facts: The FDA issued an alert in July 2006 warning about the increased risk of Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) by mothers taking SSRI antidepressants such as Celexa (citalopram), Fluvoxamine, Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Symbyax (olanzapine and fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline). Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who took Paxil were 6 times as likely to develop Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), than babies born to mothers who did not take Paxil during pregnancy. Side Effects for Paxil babies include, but are not limited to the following: – * Heart Birth Defects (Atrial or Ventricular Septal Defects, Murmurs, etc) – * Lung Birth Defects (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) – * Craniosynostosis (resulting in an abnormally shaped head) – * Abdominal Birth Defects (Omphalocele) – * Cranial Birth Defects (Craniosynostosis) Usage: Paxil (Paroxetine or paroxetine hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It was released in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market due to its apparent efficacy in treating depression as well as a spectrum of anxiety disorders ranging from panic attacks to phobias. Litigation: Over the years, the safety of Paxil has been questioned, and Paxil was never FDA approved for patients younger than the age 18 because of studies showing it was not effective. Over the years, adults using Paxil have filed lawsuits over adverse side effects and withdrawal problems. Now Glaxo is facing a number of lawsuits from U.S. parents of children and adolescents given Paxil after making claims the company has suppressed data showing the drug increased suicidal tendencies in young people. Glaxo continues to market their product and advise against discontinuing use of Paxil during pregnancy despite the increased risk for birth defects. To support their position Glaxo cites a study that indicated a 68% relapse rate for major depression during the course of the pregnancy for women who stopped taking medication for depression during pregnancy. As Glaxo points out the risk for recurrence of depression, they fail to indicate that the risk of PPHN doubles with the use of SSRI medications such as Paxil during pregnancy. If you or someone you know suffers from an injury, birth defects, or other side effects, or if you have lost a loved one due to these dangers, you are not alone and you deserve answers. Make sure to contact our experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable DrugSettlement.com birth defects lawyer by using our contact form.

Journey of a pregnant woman to motherhood is replete with a number of surprises. The moment she and her spouse learn that there is pregnancy and a baby is going to be there in their family, they are in an ecstatic mood. It is the most exciting moment for husband as well as wife. It not only transforms the body of a pregnant woman but her mind too. While dealing with the joys and pregnancy celebrations, let’s spare a thought for the anxieties arising during pregnancy, too. Every pregnant woman faces a number of unanticipated side effects during her pregnancy, most of which disappear after pregnancy.

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I am 6 1/2 months pregnant and have an 11 month old at home and I am going through postpardum depression and dealing with the hormones of pregnancy at the same time. The doctor gave me Prozac and told me it was safe but the pharmacist told me it was not safe. Has anyone heard of negative effects on unborn baby from Prozac and does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this another way?