DEFINITION

The use of drugs and medications during pregnancy should be approached with great caution. This includes prescription, over-the-counter and recreational drugs. Substances that are known to harm the developing foetus are called "teratogenic".

DESCRIPTION

The most crucial time in the baby's development is between the third and eighth week of pregnancy. This is the period when the baby's organs are developing. Drugs that reach the baby at this time may cause miscarriage, major birth defects or other birth defects that may not be noticed until later in life. Drugs given in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters (from the fourth to the ninth month) are unlikely to cause major defects, but they may interfere with the baby's normal growth and function.

Drugs taken during pregnancy can have several effects on an unborn baby. They can be directly lethal or toxic to the baby. They may constrict the blood vessels in the placenta and interfere with the gas and nutrient exchange between mother and baby. The condition of the uterus or the biochemical dynamics of the mother may be altered, causing an environment unsuitable for a baby to develop.

A drug's effect on the baby depends on how far along the pregnancy is, how potent the drug is and how big a dose is taken.
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should consult their Doctor or Pharmacist before taking any drug, whether it is on prescription or over-the-counter. Your Doctor or Pharmacist can also give you information about the possible risks of recreational drugs such as cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice.
Drugs are placed into categories according the their level of safety. Always inform your Doctor, Pharmacist or Health Care professional if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant before taking any drug.
AUSTRALIAN CATEGORISATION OF RISK OF DRUG USE IN PREGNANCY
Category A
Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the foetus having been observed.
Category C
Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human Foetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible.
Category B1
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human Foetus having been observed.
Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage.
Category B2
Drugs that have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human Foetus having been observed.
Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of Foetal damage.
Category B3
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human Foetus having been observed.
Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of Foetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.
Category D
Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human Foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects.
Category X
Drugs which have such a high risk of causing permanent damage to the Foetus that they should not be used in pregnancy or when there is a possibility of pregnancy.

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