Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Are Common Meds Harming Babies? Tylenol & Antidepressants In Pregnancy | Dr. Adam Urato, MD
Aug 22, 2025
Dr. Adam Urato, Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at MetroWest Medical Center, dives deep into the troubling implications of medications during pregnancy. He discusses the risks associated with SSRIs and Tylenol, revealing research that links these drugs to developmental issues in children. Urato advocates for clearer FDA warnings, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for expectant mothers. He also explores the implications of medications like Adderall and highlights the need for better medication management before conception, urging more transparency in pharmaceutical messaging.
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SSRIs Alter Fetal Brain Development
- SSRIs cross the placenta and disrupt fetal serotonin, a key driver of brain and body development.
- Multiple modalities (ultrasound, neonatal exams, EEG, 12 MRI studies) consistently show altered fetal brain development.
Demand Stronger FDA Warnings
- Patients deserve clearer warning labels listing miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight, and altered brain development.
- Urge regulators and clinicians to include these risks in counseling and product labeling.
Dose And Duration Affect Risk Signals
- Human studies are mixed partly due to exposure classification issues, but dose and duration trends point to greater harm with longer/higher exposure.
- Basic science plus animal and human data together support a chemical effect from SSRIs.