Consumer information about prenatal and obstetric drugs

Area of Science:

• Perinatal care
• Maternal health
• Pharmacology in pregnancy

Background:

• Limited maternal awareness of drug safety during pregnancy and childbirth is a significant concern.
• Inadequate information can lead to unintended exposure to potentially harmful medications.
• Understanding factors influencing maternal knowledge is crucial for improving perinatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of information mothers have about medications used during pregnancy and childbirth.
• To identify correlates of this information, focusing on perceived and actual control over life events.
• To evaluate the association between locus of control and prenatal drug information.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 304 randomly selected inpatients interviewed within 48 hours postpartum.
• Utilized the Rotter Locus of Control Scale to measure perceived and actual control.
• Assessed maternal knowledge regarding prenatal and intrapartum medication exposure.

Main Results:

• Mothers reported minimal knowledge of medications taken prenatally and during labor/delivery.
• A substantial number of mother-infant dyads were exposed to drugs with teratogenic or toxic potential.
• The Rotter Locus of Control Scale scores were reliable predictors of prenatal drug information.

Conclusions:

• Maternal knowledge deficits regarding perinatal medication use are prevalent.
• Lack of information contributes to exposure to unapproved and potentially harmful drugs.
• Locus of control is a key factor associated with maternal awareness of prenatal drug information.