Pregnancy and ACE Inhibitors

ACE Inhibitors were invented and marketed by large pharmaceutical companies as a “cutting-edge” cure for hypertension, high blood pressure, heart problems and many other circulatory issues and concerns.  They were seen as the “next big thing” by many professionals, and early results were encouraging. 

However, as time has gone by and physicians and researchers have had more time to analyze the longer-term effects of taking these drugs, several concerns have come to the forefront.  Side effects are emerging, and the severity of these side effects range from mild to disastrous.  Of the many problematic areas uncovered, perhaps the most prevalent, and damaging, is the mix of pregnancy and ACE Inhibitors. 

General Findings

ACE Inhibitors have long been identified as being potentially problematic for pregnant women in their second and third trimesters, but a study performed by The New England Journal of Medicine now shows that women who took ACE Inhibitors during their first trimester exposed their unborn children to double the risks otherwise present for serious birth defects that can affect the child’s long term viability.  As a result, many doctors recommend that these medications be avoided during their entire term of pregnancy.

Specific Problems

The study showed that pregnant women who took ACE Inhibitors during their first trimester doubled the risk of birth defects in their children, and these birth defects included serious and debilitating damage to the children’s heart and brain functions.  These aspects of the human organism are highly vulnerable during the early stages of fetal development even in the absence of such medications. 

What Should You Do?

That depends on where you fall within the statistics.  If you are considering having a child, at the very least you should have a serious discussion with your doctor before starting or continuing your use of ACE Inhibitors, as other options should be explored.  Many doctors will recommend the discontinuation of your use of ACE Inhibitors in this context.

If you have progressed through pregnancy and have been taking ACE Inhibitors, speak to your doctor immediately, as he or she may be able to recommend a course of action that will mitigate the consequences of exposure to the ACE Inhibitors. 

If you have already given birth to a child who suffers from malformation and you took ACE Inhibitors while pregnant, there are medical and legal options available to you.  First, see a doctor to discuss a course of treatment for your child.  There is no time to waste, as these serious problems need to be treated with an aggressive approach.

You should also consult an attorney immediately, as you may have rights under recognized laws that can and should be asserted.  There are experienced and qualified attorneys in your local area who dedicate themselves to helping those who have been irreversibly harmed by the effects of taking these medications while pregnant. 

If this describes your situation, please contact an attorney today, as the law provides for only a certain amount of time to assert your rights before any potential claim is forfeited, leaving you with a lifetime of care for your victimized child alone.