Medicines and pregnancy
The article summarizes our own observations and literature data, which show the need for a thorough analysis of each case of use of various pharmaceuticals before or during pregnancy, including those not recommended for use during pregnancy, taking into account the type of drug, its dosage, duration of use, and gestational age And so on. A strictly individual approach allows the geneticist and obstetrician-gynecologist to make an adequate decision in each individual case and avoid both the birth of an obviously sick child and prevent unjustified termination of pregnancy or invasive intervention associated with prenatal karyotyping.
The reason for contacting a medical genetics office, in approximately 7% of cases, is to find out the possible adverse, including teratogenic, effect on the fetus of a particular drug that a woman used during pregnancy.
Most often this concerns the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and hormonal drugs. When prescribing antibiotics, preference is given to penicillins and cephalosporins. Topical use of tetracyclines is considered safe. Non-steroidal drugs can be used as anti-inflammatory drugs in therapeutic doses.
Taking hormonal drugs (corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs) requires careful monitoring of dosages and the condition of the fetus. In general, a strictly individual approach allows you to minimize risks to the fetus and maintain pregnancy.