Medication Use During Pregnancy, With Particular Focus On Prescription Drugs: 1976-2008

By A. Mitchell, S. Gilboa, M. Werler, Katherine E. Kelley, C. Louik, S. Hernández-Díaz. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011

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Objective To provide information on overall medication use throughout pregnancy, with particular focus on the first trimester and specific prescription medications. Study Design The Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study (BDS), 1976 to 2008, and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), 1997 to 2003, which together interviewed over 30,000 women about their antenatal medication use. Results Over the last three decades, first trimester use of prescription medication increased by over 60%, and use of four or more medications more than tripled. By 2008, approximately 50% of women reported taking at least 1 medication. Use of some specific medications markedly decreased or increased. Prescription medication use increased with maternal age and education, was highest for non-Hispanic whites, and varied by state. Conclusion These data reflect the widespread and growing use of medications by pregnant women and reinforce the need to study their respective fetal risks and safety.

Subfields: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncology, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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