An Overview Of Drugs Taken During Pregnancy And Its Outcome

Aim is to create awareness among the women of reproductive age group about the risks associated with consumption of drugs during pregnancy . More than 90% of pregnant women take prescription or non-prescription drugs at some time during pregnancy .In general ,unless absolutely necessary ,drugs should not be used during pregnancy because many of them are harmful to the fetus .Pregnancy introduces unique considerations for drug treatment due to its impact on the pharmacokinetics of medications and the potential harm certain drugs can pose to the fetus. While completely avoiding pharmacological treatment in pregnancy is impractical and risky, as some women have pre-existing medical conditions or develop new ones requiring medication, the challenge lies in balancing effective treatment with fetalsafety. Historical incidents, such as thalidomide in the 1960s, highlighted the risks, but it's crucial to note that congenital abnormalities from teratogenic drugs constitute less than 1% of total cases.To address these concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a system in 1979 for assessing the teratogenic risk of drugs. This classification, ranging from Category A (considered safest) to Category X (absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy), helps guide clinicians in making informed therapeutic decisions. The article delves into various aspects of drug use during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of weighing risks and benefits to ensure optimal maternal health while safeguarding the developing fetus.