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Drugs in pregnancy - a prospective study
International Journal of Biological Research in Pregnancy
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Drug use during pregnancy was low compared to international data, with a peak of 26% of women taking medications. Lifestyle factors like coffee and cigarette consumption also decreased during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding medication use during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
- International data suggests varying patterns of drug consumption during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prescribed drug therapy, self-medication, and lifestyle factors (coffee, cigarettes, alcohol) in pregnant women.
- To compare drug consumption patterns with international reports.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 1182 women in early pregnancy.
- Data collection on prescribed drugs, self-medication, coffee, cigarette, and alcohol consumption, and social factors.
Main Results:
- Overall drug consumption during pregnancy was low compared to international standards.
- 11% of women used drugs in early pregnancy, increasing to a maximum of 26%.
- Commonly prescribed drugs included antiemetics, analgesics, sedatives, iron, and vitamins. Self-medication was very low (1-2%).
- Coffee consumption decreased, especially in the last trimester.
- Cigarette consumption significantly decreased from 27% to 12%.
Conclusions:
- Drug consumption during pregnancy in this cohort was relatively low.
- Significant reductions in cigarette and coffee consumption were observed during pregnancy.
- Further research into specific drug classes and their impact is warranted.