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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Laura YatesORCiD, Professor Simon ThomasORCiD
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Prescribing in pregnancy is complex; it needs to take into account the effects that physiological changes associated with pregnancy may have on the drug's pharmacology and the impact of these changes on the benefits and risks of treatment in the mother, as well as the benefits and risks to the developing fetus. Fetal effects are sometimes predictable, given the mechanism of action of a drug, but often may be unpredictable and unexpected. Identifying therapies that are safest for the fetus, yet do not compromise effective treatment of the maternal condition, is essential but challenging. Experience of safe use in pregnancy is available for many older drugs used in the treatment of common conditions, but often little is known about the fetal risk of the newer preparations increasingly preferred due to improved efficacy or adverse effect profiles. Some drugs essential for management of long-term maternal conditions are known to have teratogenic properties and there may be no effective alternatives. Weighing up the risks and benefits for mother and fetus in such circumstances is particularly difficult. Teratology information services are now well-established worldwide and provide up-to-date, evidence-based advice to support safe and informed prescribing in pregnancy.
Author(s): Yates LM, Thomas SHL
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Medicine
Year: 2012
Volume: 40
Issue: 7
Pages: 386-390
Print publication date: 01/07/2012
ISSN (print): 0304-5412
ISSN (electronic): 1578-8822
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2012.04.007
DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2012.04.007
