As Published on the Zoloft Birth Defects Website

Women are at their most sensitive when they are pregnant, especially when there are certain things that may affect the baby. One in every 33 babies that are born will have a birth defect, according to the statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The possibility of birth defects has made women worry about their baby’s development and health. Information on how to prevent birth defects is provided to women by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network.

It was found through the help of research that antidepressants affect the baby’s head size.

The CDC has even provided ways that can be taken by women to avoid birth problems and minimize the danger on their child’s life. Women are encouraged to watch what they eat, drink and do during the first three months of pregnancy. Women are not encouraged by obstetricians to take medications during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects.

Not all birth defects may be prevented, especially those that are hereditary but there are some types of defects that may be stopped from taking root. The causes of some birth defects are still unknown.

Neural tube defects may be prevented by folic acid. Neural tube defects are very serious birth problems in the brain and spinal cord that may even cause death of the newborn. According to research, two of the most common types of neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Vitamin B9 or folic acid are taken before and during pregnancy to avoid neural tube defects.

Liver, potatoes, egg yolk and soya products are rich in vitamin B9. Women are advised to increase their immune response to prevent complications from infections.

Women who smoke and drink increases the risk of birth defects of their babies. Children born from women who drink (for intoxication) have been seen to develop fetal alcohol syndrome. Retarded growth, distinct facial abnormalities and problems in the central nervous system are hallmarks of this syndrome. The alcohol crosses the blood-placenta barrier; thus, the baby also takes in amounts of alcohol. Birth problems like premature delivery and death of the baby may be avoided when the mother stops smoking. A number of medications taken while a woman is pregnant have resulted to birth defects. Researchers are now trying to determine if Zoloft birth defects are possible when taking Zoloft and other antidepressants.