Can Uncontrolled Use of Medication During Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Disabilities in Children?

Can uncontrolled use of medication during pregnancy increase the risk of disabilities in children?

According to Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Perinatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ, who states that uncontrolled use of medication during pregnancy can increase the risk of disabilities in children, factors such as the substance in the medication, gestational age, duration of medication use, and whether the medication reaches the fetus or not are important in terms of their potential harmful effects. Therefore, for every medication used during pregnancy, it is important to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist and, if necessary, a perinatologist to obtain information about the risk category and whether it can be used. This issue is particularly crucial during the first three months when organ development of the fetus takes place.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Perinatology specialist at Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital, points out the risks of uninformed and unconscious medication use during pregnancy, stating that at least one out of every 16 pregnant women uses medication known to have an increased risk of causing disabilities in the fetus. Referring to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in August 2022, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ emphasizes that the research examined the extent to which women living in America are exposed to medications that can cause disabilities or problems in children during pregnancy. The results revealed that at least 1 out of every 16 pregnant women is exposed to such medications unknowingly or due to necessity. This increases the risk of disabilities in children.

It is Necessary to Identify High-Risk Groups in Advance

According to Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ, who stated that observational studies have categorized the risks of medications in terms of causing disabilities: "In addition to the substance contained in the medication, factors such as gestational age, duration of medication use, and whether the medication reaches the fetus or not are important in terms of their potential disability-causing effects." Prof. Dr. Başbuğ continued as follows:

"Since organ development of the fetus takes place, the first three months of pregnancy are more crucial. Some medications used during the first trimester have a higher risk of causing disabilities. Therefore, even if it is a vitamin, medications used during the first three months should be used after consulting with an obstetrician or perinatologist. A woman who is known to be pregnant should not use medications randomly. Because medications that need to be used out of necessity are categorized according to the risk groups A, B, C, D, and X. For example, some medications used for epilepsy fall into category D. Although medications in this group pose a certain risk for children, the mother has to use them. Otherwise, there is a risk of life loss for the mother due to seizures. Therefore, in epileptic pregnant women, we prefer medications that will cause the least harm to the baby when making our medication choices. Ultimately, it is crucial to determine the risk category of the medication to be used in pregnant women in advance."

"The importance of whether the medication that poses a risk reaches the baby or not is also crucial."

Prof. Dr. Başbuğ, who emphasizes the importance of determining the risk category of the medication that may cause disabilities in pregnancy, also highlights the significance of medication absorption. He continued his statement as follows: "If an orally taken medication is not absorbed by the stomach, it does not pose harm. For example, medications used for treating diarrhea, which are not absorbed, do not harm the baby. However, if the same substance is administered intravenously, the likelihood of the substance reaching the baby increases."

Are Antibiotics Used During Pregnancy?

Prof. Başbuğ provided the following information regarding the use of antibiotics during pregnancy, which is one of the most commonly asked questions: "Regarding the use of antibiotics during pregnancy, we can say that certain medications that pass through the placenta and have teratogenic potential can cause fetal disabilities. Within this context, some antibiotics can be given under safe usage conditions, while others should be avoided. Therefore, attention should be paid to the teratogenic potential of antibiotics, whether they pass through the placenta, whether they reach high doses, and the gestational week.

" Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ also mentioned that there are certain medications that women with chronic illnesses need to take routinely if they become pregnant. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals who manage the disease and those who provide prenatal care in order to ensure the birth of a healthy baby.

Diseases in Children That Are Related To Medication Use Can Emerge Within 6 Months To 1 Year

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital's specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Perinatology, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Başbuğ, emphasized that while the first three months of pregnancy are the period of risk for birth defects, problems can also arise in the following months. He stated the following regarding the matter:

"Even when administering any vitamin, it is important to be very cautious. The harm caused by additives in vitamin supplements can manifest in children in the long term. Although we have discussed congenital disabilities so far, it is worth mentioning that some diseases can have a delayed onset. For example, as a result of the effects of a medication used by pregnant women for certain types of cancer, girls may develop vaginal adenosis at the age of 8 or 10. Diseases related to medication use may not immediately appear after birth but can emerge within 6 months to 1 year. Therefore, a patient should not use any medication without seeking medical advice, and they should consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist and, if necessary, a perinatologist before using any appropriate medication."