Prozac Birth Defects Can Include PPHN

Arlington, VAStudies have indicated that Prozac birth defects can potentially include persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), which does not allow the newborns to get enough oxygen, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">Specifically, babies born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac 20 weeks or later in their pregnancy were approximately six times as likely to develop the condition than babies born to mothers who had not taken anti-depressants during their pregnancy.

Women who consider taking Prozac during their pregnancy are encouraged to contact their doctor in order to determine the proper way to treat depression during the pregnancy, according to the organization.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Prozac is used in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and some eating disorders. In addition to the possibility of pregnant women delivering babies with birth defects, other potential side effects of the medication can include nausea, dry mouth, difficulty breathing or joint pain, according to the center.