The impact of drugs on congenital anomalies. (c1999)

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.