Some medications taken by pregnant women can harm fetal development. These are referred to as teratogenic drugs. Thalidomide is a famous example of such drugs – a morning sickness drug which has been linked to severe birth defects. Timing and dosage is crucial when avoiding birth defects.[1]
In 2015 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also created new rules for drug safety labels – promoting the well-being of pregnant women and their babies.
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Teratogenic Drugs & Birth Defects
When dealing with teratogenic drugs, doctors must carefully assess risks and benefits; pharmacists should check for drug interactions; and nurses help with monitoring and patient education. Getting a complete list of the patient's medications and creating clear protocols are essential safety measures.[1]
Clear communication between the medical team and their patients is crucial. Medical providers must always explain risks and benefits associated with certain drugs. This allows their patients to make better informed decisions – especially when a certain teratogenic drug can be deemed necessary.
Here are a few that should be taken with caution:
Neurological Medications
Neurological medications, especially those used for epilepsy, can pose serious risks during pregnancy. Common drugs include:[1]
- Valproate – highest risk among epilepsy drugs. It can cause heart problems, spinal defects, developmental delays, and facial abnormalities.
- Phenobarbital – can affect growth, movement development, and survival of the fetus.
- Carbamazepine – can cause facial defects, lower IQ, and growth problems.
- Lamotrigine – considered safest, but may cause facial clefts.
- Phenytoin – can cause growth problems, mental delays, and facial abnormalities.
- Topiramate – may cause genital defects and cleft lip/palate, especially at higher doses.
Antimicrobial Medications
Antimicrobial medications are commonly prescribed during pregnancy, but some carry significant risks, such as:[1]
- Tetracyclines – can damage a baby's bones and teeth.
- Fluoroquinolones – can harm organ development and joints.
- Chloramphenicol – can cause "gray baby syndrome" and bone marrow problems.
- Streptomycin – can cause permanent deafness in babies.
- Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim – causes high risk of birth defects and jaundice complications.
Antimicrobial medications that should be used with caution, on the other hand, include:
- Other aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) – are relatively safe for short courses if monitored closely.
- Nitrofurantoin – is generally safe but may cause heart defects.
- Rifampin – should be safe at normal doses, but may cause bleeding issues.
- Fluconazole – is safe at low doses, but high doses can cause severe birth defects
Other Types of Medications
- Anticoagulants (or blood thinners) such as warfarin can cause serious birth defects if used during weeks 6-9 of pregnancy – including bone problems, nose deformities, and brain bleeding.
- Thyroid Medications (like propylthiouracil and methimazole) have been linked with birth defects, though further study is needed.
- Vitamin A, while being an essential nutrient, can cause brain, spine, eye, heart, and face defects when consumed excessively.
- Diethylstilbestrol is a hormone medication that was once used to prevent miscarriage. It was later found as a cause of reproductive cancers and abnormalities in children exposed before birth.
- Anabolic steroids, another hormone medication, is linked to causing genital abnormalities in female fetuses if used early in pregnancy.
Other Factors To Consider When Avoiding Birth Defects
Medical practitioners cannot always predict how teratogenic drug exposure can affect fetuses, given how individuals (and therefore fetuses) react to drugs differently. However, there are very important considerations necessary when medicating pregnant women. The extent to which a baby can be harmed may depend on:[2]
- The type of drug
- Prescribed dosage
- Frequency of use
- Gestational stage of pregnancy
- Maternal medical conditions
Properly addressing these risk factors can help medical providers mitigate incidences of birth defects. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice on their end. Doctors, pharmacists, and nurses should consolidate a healthcare plan that caters for the safety of both mother and child.
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Establishing a Medical Malpractice Claim
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development. Injured mothers must also be allowed to return to their healthiest state.
Generally speaking, medical malpractices involving teratogenic drugs may include (but are not limited to):
- Failing to check gestational status and drug interactions before prescribing known teratogens
- Prescribing incorrect dosages and frequencies
- Continuing high-risk medications when safer alternatives exist
- Not warning patients about pregnancy risks
- Failing to document informed consent discussions
- Failing to adjust medication during different pregnancy stages
- Failing to monitor and catch early signs of fetal complications
Medical malpractice lawyers work closely with licensed medical providers when reviewing and establishing a claim.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
