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An approach to preventing adverse drug effects during pregnancy

Little is known about the risks of adverse effects of drugs during pregnancy. Armed with some basic information, it is possible to develop a practical approach that enables healthcare professionals to prevent these adverse effects.

Generally, when a pregnant woman uses a drug, both the mother and her unborn child are exposed to it. Some of the effects of exposure to the drug are beneficial, while others are harmful to one or sometimes both individuals.

Usually, the drug is intended to benefit the mother, sometimes affecting the well-being of the unborn child. In a few cases, the drug is primarily intended to benefit the unborn child, for example to prevent premature delivery.

On the whole, little is known about the risks of adverse effects of drugs during pregnancy in general, and in particular the risks of malformations. Armed with some basic information, it is possible to develop a practical approach that enables healthcare professionals to prevent these adverse effects, while providing necessary treatment for the mother or the unborn child and at the same time managing this uncertainty.

©Prescrire 1 January 2014

"An approach to preventing adverse drug effects during pregnancy" Prescrire Int 2014; 23 (145): 24-26. (Pdf, subscribers only).
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For more information:

Medication during pregnancy:
10 principles to avoid adverse
effects in the unborn child
(August 2013)
Free

Choosing a treatment
with a pregnant woman
(August 2013)
Free

Pregnancy: drugs to avoid
(August 2013)
Free