Has anyone giving birth to a child with birth defects due to taking antidepressants?

Question

I was on Lexapro before I found out I was pregnant with my second child. My OB put me on it at the end of October, when I was showing signs of postpartum after the birth of my first child 10 months ago. I felt great and back to my old self again, but found out I was prgnant in December with my second child. The doctor took me off of the Lexapro and said he was waiting til I make it past my first trimester, and if at that point I was feeling like before, he would place me on something. I quickly went down hill again. Even more severe depression than before, and couldn't take care of my 12 month old. He placed me on Zoloft per my request. I read it had less of a risk, but it did hardly anything for me. After letting my Doctor know, he suggested I go back on the Lexapro and gave me free samples. I am so afraid of hurting my baby, and all of the info on antidepressants show heart and lung birth defects. Does anyone have a child who was born with any of these problems. What is the truth?

Answer 1

Personally I wouldn't take the chance. If there is anything that you could possibly do to not take it I would if I were you. Sometimes side effects don't show up for years and they come out in learning disabilities etc.. I would not take it if I were you unless you are so bad such as suicidal or something such as that. Try excercise diet or some other way to help overcome your depression. Good luck I hope that you can get through this.