Medicines in Pregnancy - Safe?

A recent article in JAMA Pediatrics has once again questioned the use of medicines in pregnancy. Since the thalidomide experience, medicine use in pregnant women has generally been viewed as risky and potentially harmful to the developing fetus. Is this fear justified?

There are medicines that are acknowledged to be harmful to the developing fetus, however, many medicines used today have little evidence of harm. Indeed, untreated maternal illness may cause more significant harm and requires careful consideration.

Optimal medicine use in pregnancy is vital for the health of mothers and babies. Here we explore some of the complexities around prescribing in pregnancy and ask: is safe a relative term?

Learn more about pregnancy with the education module below.

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Source: http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/health-news-evidence/2014/pregnancy-medicine-safety, Tuesday 22 April 2014