Pregnancy Related Medication Prescription Patterns

Introduction: Drug use during pregnancy presents significant challenges due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with potential adverse effects on the fetus. The USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) categorizes drugs from A to X based on their safety in pregnancy, guiding appropriate drug use. Hence, this research aimed to assess rationality in prescription pattern and to identify commonly prescribed medications in pregnant women. Methodology: A pilot prospective observational study was conducted for three months at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad. Women of any gestational age willing to participate voluntarily were included in study while non-pregnancy cases and cases with incomplete data were excluded. Data collection focused on demographics, medical history, and prescribed medications. Prescription pattern was analyzed using WHO (World Health Organization) core prescribing indicators and USFDA pregnancy drug-risk categories. Results: Study highlighted the prevalence of anemia in 50% of pregnant women making it a possible factor for complications like premature birth and low birth weight if untreated. Majority of prescribed medications belong to Category B. Among 70 prescriptions, average number of drugs per prescription was 5.857 which was excess. Supplemental drug use accounted for 40.97% of the 410 prescription drugs, 168 drugs, and 242 drugs (59.024%) of the non-supplemental drugs prescribed. Conclusion: Study emphasizes importance of supplemental drug use which was found to be deficient in the prescriptions. It is necessary for the well-being of mother and growth of fetus. Findings provide healthcare professionals with insights into current prescribing practices, aiming to enhance rational drug use in pregnancy. Keywords: Pregnancy; USFDA drug risk category; prescription pattern.