Despite recent warnings about the dangers of using certain drugs during pregnancy, many expectant moms continue to take medications that cause birth defects
30 Kasım 2009 Pazartesi 13:22
According to a report published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, some 56 percent of pregnant women take at least a single drug, adding that the drugs taken in some 6.3 percent of the cases are harmful for the fetus.
"These pregnancies were associated with an elevated number of (pregnancy terminations) and babies born with major (birth defects) in comparison with the expected numbers in the population," scientists stressed.
While the consumption of certain medication such as those controlling epilepsy are essential during pregnancy, there are many other drugs that expectant moms can simply avoid.
Drugs used to treat severe acne, anxiety and psychiatric drugs, antibiotics, and those prescribed for heart disease have a known fetal risk and should be avoided, the study found.
Compared to mothers who were not exposed to risky drugs, there was a significant higher rate of birth defects in the infants born to mothers exposed to such medication.
Scientists urged physicians to warn women who are planning to become pregnant about the side effects of any drug they are taking, especially those taken for treating chronic conditions, to minimize the risks such drugs pose to babies.
According to a report published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, some 56 percent of pregnant women take at least a single drug, adding that the drugs taken in some 6.3 percent of the cases are harmful for the fetus. 
