Prenatal and Postnatal Consequences of Drug Exposure in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the demographic characteristics of pregnant women that have a history of drug use and categorize the drugs according to the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) system. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study. The data obtained from the hospital database were evaluated. The drugs used by pregnant women who were found to use drugs during pregnancy were categorized according to the ATC system. At the same time, demographic data, educational status, income levels, alcohol and cigarette use and obstetric results of the pregnant women were evaluated. Results: Ninety-nine pregnant women evaluated in Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Perinatology Department Council were included. Mean age of pregnant women was 31.7 [18-47, standard deviation (SD)=5.880], mean gravida was 2.81 (1-8, SD=1.452), mean parity was 1.4 (0-5, SD=0.988) and mean gestational week at presentation was 11.27 (5-30, SD=4.692). It was determined that the mean duration of drug use was 66.56 days. It was found that drugs related to the nervous system were used most frequently with a rate of 29.33%, followed by drugs related to the digestive system with a rate of 15.03%. Congenital anomalies were observed in only 5 of 100 pregnant women exposed to the drug. Conclusion: The demographic data of pregnant women and the distribution of the drugs they are exposed to are similar to the literature. However, unlike previous studies, the preference for optional curettage is lower and the incidence of congenital anomaly is not higher than expected.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• drug
• anomaly
• atc classification
• curettage