“Pills during Pregnancy,” Asons Solicitors discuss implications for Medical Negligence Claims.
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 8 July 2013 -- Broadcast last week, in the episode ‘The Truth about Pills and Pregnancy,’ BBC1’s Panorama considered the dangers associated with women taking prescription drugs during pregnancy (1). The programme made connections with birth defects, outlining where medical negligence claims could have been made.
During the episode, evidence emerged that some common anti-depressants are linked to heart defects in babies (1). With further supporting details, published in the Independent, claiming that women taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are doubling the risk of their babies being born with a heart defect (2).
In response to the recent interest, the Royal College of Psychiatrists have released the following statement, quoting Dr Liz McDonald, Chair of its Section of Perinatal Psychiatry (3):
"Women should not be taking medication in pregnancy if they don’t need to. For a woman taking an antidepressant and is considering starting a family, or finds that she is pregnant, this is an excellent time to consider whether the medication is still required. Women should not stop their medication suddenly and, if they are concerned about continuing the antidepressant in pregnancy, they should discuss the options with their doctor.”
According to the Panorama piece, women felt that upon raising concerns they had been re-assured by their doctor, preventing them from avoiding the risks being posed to their unborn child (1).
Commenting on the implications, Asons Executive Laura Williams, made the following statement –
“When women are pregnant, or have just given birth, their primary instinct is to protect their child. It is upsetting to think that women have been misled into unintentionally putting their child at risk.
If there is even the smallest chance that a prescription drug could lead to heart defects, a warning should be clearly displayed on the packaging, and when prescribed, women should have any side-effects explained to them; anything less could be considered medical negligence.
With the prevalence of surgical errors and hospital acquired infections, it could be upsetting for a mother to have her child put through medical procedures, due to an avoidable birth defect.”
In the event that you consider yourself, or your children, to have been subject to medical negligence, you must seek legal advice as quickly as possible. Taking action can prevent the same situation from reoccurring, helping others to avoid injury in future.
If you, or someone you know, have suffered as a result of medical negligence then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Asons Solicitors deal with medical negligence claims on a regular basis, you can contact them on: 0844 850 1062 or you can fill out their claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk
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(1) BBC, Panoroma ‘The Truth about Pills and Pregnancy’ (01/07/2013) bbc.co.uk/programmes/b036fddg
(2) The Independent, ‘Doctors will be warned against prescribing pregnant women antidepressants after link between the drugs and heart defects is discovered’ (24/06/2013)
independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/doctors-will-be-warned-against-prescribing-pregnant-women-antidepressants-after-link-between-the-drugs-and-heart-defects-is-discovered-8670952.html
(3) The British Psychological Society, ‘Are Antidepressants a Risk in Pregnancy’ (01/07/2013)
bps.org.uk/news/are-antidepressants-pregnancy-risk
About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
John King, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448 408 012, [email protected]
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