Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: Do Not Let Your Patients Down

Course overview

Nine in ten women report taking at least one medication during pregnancy. A great need exists to provide medication safety information to all women of childbearing potential. Prenatal care should start well before conception. Still, for most, prenatal care begins once they realize they are pregnant (or later), leaving a gap in care from conception to the first consultation with a healthcare provider. Identifying pregnancy and lactation status is a major barrier to intervention by pharmacy staff. In addition, women of childbearing potential may have chronic conditions requiring prescription medication. Understanding medication safety is important to improve maternal and infant health. Patient education prevents unnecessary premature infant weaning and non-adherence to medications. Although some medications are known teratogens, information about safety in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Trusted information resources help determine appropriate medications.