Intestinal Defects
Birth defects linked to the use of SSRIs during pregnancy are not limited to defects to the heart or brain. Your child may also suffer from defects in the intestines.
A birth defect can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. In many cases, organs are not properly positioned or not fully developed. Most intestinal tract defects require surgery.
Many of these defects are not life-threatening, but that does not mean your child does not suffer. Multiple surgeries can be needed to repair these defects, and the side effects can last a lifetime.
If your child suffered from an intestinal defect because of an antidepressant you took during pregnancy, know that you are not alone. There are many parents and children out there going through the same pain and looking for the same answers as you.
Intestinal Defect Overview
Omphalocele (Abdominal Wall Defect)
This is when the baby’s intestines or other organs in the abdomen stick out from the belly button. Stuck outside the body, the organs are only separated by a thin layer of tissue. This occurs when the baby’s abdominal wall does not close properly. Omphaloceles can be small or large. In larger cases, the liver or spleen may stick out from the stomach as well. Fortunately, this condition is not life-threatening and can be repaired with surgery.
This is an extremely rare and complicated birth defect that involves several malformations. An omphalocele is typically present. The bladder is also exposed in the front and connected at both sides, allowing fecal matter and urine to mix. The anus is also not closed and there may be spinal cord defects. Genital organs are also affected, as the penis is flat, with an exposed urethra on top. In girls, the clitoris is split and there may be two vaginal openings. Treatment for cloacal exstrophy requires several surgeries.
This is when the baby’s intestine stick out of the body through a defect on one side of the umbilical cord. Babies with this condition have a hole in the abdominal wall. Babies with gastroschisis are exposed to amniotic fluid during pregnancy and thus have a higher risk of complications in the third trimester.
This is when there is a narrowing or absent portion of the baby’s intestine. It can occur in the large or small intestine. Treatment includes removing portion of the small intestine or placing a temporary stoma in the large intestine.
Contact an Attorney
Did your child suffers from any of these intestinal defects? Did you take an SSRI during pregnancy? If so, you need to speak with an attorney today.
The experienced attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm understand pharmaceutical law, and we don’t back down. Contact us at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online today to learn what we can do for you.