Abstract:
Some abnormalities that occur in the fetus and the newborn are of genetic origin,
some result of an infection , some are due directly or indirectly to incidental
complications of pregnancy and in some cases the cause is unknown or due to
incorrect drug intake.
Women commonly ingest medications or drugs while pregnant; some of these
drugs may be teratogenic. Major malformations are usually the result of the first
trimester exposure during critical periods of organogenesis. Therefore, pregnant
women should be discouraged from taking Over-the-Counter drugs, and such
drugs should not be taken without counseling. For prescription drugs, risks versus
benefits should be taken into consideration by the physician. The safe use of a drug in a single pregnancy or even in a large number of
pregnancies does not assure that the drug is safe in all pregnancies. Very few
medicinal agents can be declared safe in pregnancy. Because any drug can be
teratogenic, it is important to develop effective methods to prevent fetal exposure.
