Risk of self-medication in pregnancy

Reality of self-medication in pregnancy: Pregnant women use self-medication readily. Such behavior must not be over looked by physicians and midwives during pregnancy. More epidemiology data would be useful. Iatrogenic risks: Drug toxicity, generally related to the advancement of so matic development of the embryo and fetus, can appear at Variable stages du ring pregnancy Moreover, the pharmakokinetic properties of drugs are differ ent during pregnancy. These facts must be taken into account when assessing the risk of uncontrolled drug use by pregnant women. Recommendations for pregnant women: obstetricians, midwives and primary car e physicians caring for pregnant women should explain the risks of self-med ication. The specific features of disease during pregnancy should be consid ered when giving relevant information.