A rational approach to drug use in pregnancy

Abnormalities occur in approximately three percent of all newborns. Of these, about five to 10 percent are caused by teratogens with an estimated one percent the result of drug use. The teratogenic effects of drugs are time related, species related, and dose related. Presented below is information about drugs known and suspected of producing teratogenic effects. Also, counseling of the gravida is discussed. Nurses need to communicate accurate information to the patient and then allow the patient to weigh the benefits of the drug against its potential risk.