Zoloft belongs to the group of antidepressants known as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Although research has not yet established a link specifically between Zoloft and coronary birth defects (it would be a violation of medical ethics to perform studies on pregnant women), it is known that other antidepressants increase the risk of heart birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Paxil (paroxetine), which is in the same group of SSRIs as Zoloft, is known to cause heart birth defects in babies when taken during pregnancy.
What is also known is that there is a link between other SSRIs and congenital malformations, including cardiac malformations. A study conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, revealed that the risk of pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects, including heart defects, was increased among women who had prescriptions for SSRIs filled in the 30 days before conception through the end of the first trimester, compared with those who had no SSRI prescriptions filled during the same period.
Zoloft Pregnancy Category
The federal Food and Drug Administration categorizes this anti-depressant prescription drug in the
pregnancy Category C. This label means that it is possible animal studies have indicated fetal harm from maternal use of the drug, but human trials have not yet determined that the risks of using Zoloft during pregnancy outweigh the drug's intended benefits.
Women who are taking SSRI antidepressants—including Zoloft—and are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should speak with their doctor about the risks associated with taking the SSRI while pregnant. Although there are risks associated with taking Zoloft while pregnant, there may also be concerns about discontinuing medication. These risks should be balanced against the possible benefits of taking the medication.
Zoloft Legal Help
If you took Zoloft while pregnant, and delivered a baby with heart defects, a lawyer may be able to help you. Please send your details to an attorney by clicking the link below for a free claim evaluation.
Posted on Nov-16-06
Updated on Feb-3-10
Washington, DC: If you want a healthy baby, government agencies in both Canada and the United States warn that you might want to quit taking Zoloft during pregnancy. Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its Canadian counterpart, Health Canada, both issued warnings about combining Zoloft and pregnancy. [ 
