The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Weiner, a maternal-fetal medical expert, and health reporter Rope (High Risk Pregnancy) tackle the complex subject of the use of medication during pregnancy in his weighty volume. The problem, as they see it, is that many doctors are confused by FDA guidelines regarding meds during pregnancy; they explain that the system, which is currently being modified, will take years to correct. In brief introductions, the authors explain that many pregnant (and breastfeeding) women need medications for their health and the health of their babies. Asthma, diabetes, hypertension, gestational diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure are just a few of the conditions that must be treated. Weiner and Rope also provide describe six factors that can influence whether a particular medication will cause birth defects: whether it crosses the placenta, genetic susceptibility, timing, dose, how the medicine is taken, and the spectrum of outcomes (a range of potentially adverse outcomes, depending on how much medication is taken, how often, and when). An alphabetical list of more than 600 medications follows, with a breakdown on each describing its potential side effects and warnings, drug interactions, and how it relates to pregnancy and breastfeeding. The authors also explain how to find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, encouraging readers to utilize their resources in conjunction with working with their physicians. (The caveat is that medical information in this area is constantly changing.) This comprehensive resource will help empower pregnant and breastfeeding women facing medication decisions, allowing them to make informed choices. (Apr.)