Prescribing in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prescribing patterns and clinical practices in the use of pharmaceutical agents in pregnancy Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional study. Study Period: March 2002 to March 2003 Setting: Study was conducted at antenatal clinic, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Materials and Methods: 250 patients from antenatal clinic were interviewed to collect information regarding age, parity, gestational age, any medication, its indication, route, duration and prescriber during current pregnancy on a pre-designed proforma. Sampling Method: Patients were enrolled in this study on first come and enroll basis. Results: Most of the women (90%) visiting the antenatal clinic were in the age group 21-30years. 94% of the women were taking medications and the prescriptions included haematenics (88%), folic acid (61%), calcium supplements (63%), antibiotics (22%), anti-fungals (19%), antiemetics (8%) and laxatives (6%). 6% of women were not taking any medication. Commonest prescribers were general practitioners (46%). Rest of the prescribers were medical officers at antenatal clinic (28%), LHVs/nurses (11%) and specialists (9%). Self-medication was seen in 6%. 47% of the women taking self-medications were among the educated group (Matric and above) and 53% of the women were among the uneducated group (P < 0.001). 28% took treatment from general practitioners and lady health visitors without any certain diagnosis, on symptomatic grounds. Conclusion: The use of drugs in pregnancy is substantial and varied. Information on the use of drugs during pregnancy is scarce and anecdotal. Careful consideration of the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus is required, when prescribing drugs during pregnancy. All prescriptions or drugs recommended in pregnancy must have solid evidence derived from current literature.