In the United States alone, about 3% of babies are born with a birth defect. There can be many causes but a key contender involves the antibiotics you take while pregnant. There are multiple studies pointing at certain antibiotics that put a baby at risk of birth defects. In one large study by a British Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, they found that antibiotics classified as quinolones –ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and others—are especially dangerous and should not be taken during pregnancy.
After adjusting for diseases and other variables, the study concluded there was a larger increased risk for taking some antibiotics than others. For example, doxycycline more than doubled the risk for cardiac abnormalities. The study did not find any increase in birth defects with the use of amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin or cephalosporin.
A senior author and professor of epidemiology, Anick Bérard, said an infection itself can negatively impact the outcomes of a pregnancy which is why the woman must be treated with antibiotics. However, she warns that pregnant women take extra caution with which antibiotics they choose.
Contact Thurswell Law
Our team at Thurswell Law specializes in representing families who are victims of birth defects. If you think that your child has been born with a birth defect caused by a medical professional’s negligence, contact us at (248) 354-2222 for a free consultation. No fee unless you recover.
Source: The New York Times
