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Drugs During Pregnancy

Drugs during pregnancy is a key issue because there are only some medications that should be taken during pregnancy. There are several medications that are completely contraindicated while pregnant.

When we say drugs we are also referring to Medications.

Although drugs and medication are not typically used during Pregnancy, sometimes and in some cases, drug use isn’t always a faux pas.

Other drugs are concerning even while attempting to get pregnant or of childbearing age.

Drug use during pregnancy may be possible with certain drugs. Typically there is a Classification of drugs, which can be divided into A, B, C, D, and X. The drugs not to be used during pregnancy are X, D, and often C

Any drug used during the embryo stages that has a permanent harmful effect is termed teratogen. The concern is that a drug, when taken by the mother, may potentially cross the Placenta and affect the child.

Often lacking studies on drugs involving pregnant females leads to a decreased number of providers willing to prescribe a variety of drugs to pregnant females.

Categories designed by FDA

Category A

Controlled studies in women fail to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters), and the possibility of fetal harm appears remote.

. Vitamins such as Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, others

Category B

Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

.  Tylenol
.  IBU     –   ***only use before the third trimester – do not take in last 3 months of pregnancy
.  Insulin
.  others

Category C

Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

.  Sudafed
.  Compazine
.  Diflucan
.  Ciprofloxacin
.  others

Category D

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).

.  Lithium
.  Dilantin
.  Chemotherapy drugs
.  others

Category X

Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities, or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

.  Accutane
.  Tegison
.  Thalidomide
.  Diethylstilbestrol
.  others