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Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

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Prescribing in pregnancy 

Prescribing in pregnancy
Chapter:
Prescribing in pregnancy
Author(s):

Lucy MacKillop

, and Charlotte Frise

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198746690.003.0282
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date: 02 March 2021

Many clinicians feel uncertain about prescribing for pregnant women. Despite well-known examples of drugs that have caused serious adverse effects to the developing fetus, most medications can be used safely and effectively in this setting, provided some simple principles are followed. The first of these is that the health of the mother is the most important factor in determining the health of the fetus. Inappropriate cessation of existing medication, or failure to initiate new agents when clearly indicated, can be more harmful than the judicious use of selected medication to maintain maternal health. A medication should be prescribed in pregnancy if the benefit to the mother, and therefore indirectly to the fetus, outweighs the potential risk of fetal exposure.

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