Drugs in Pregnancy Flashcards
What pregnancy chances occur?
- Increased total body water
- Increased liver metabolism
- Inreased renal BF
- Increased plasma protein conc
What are teratogens?
Administration of a drug that can cause structural or functional abnormalities in the foetus or child after birth
What to consider when prescribing in pregnancy?
- Only prescribe if medication benefit outweighs the risk
- Use drugs with extensive use rather than new
- Use lowest effective dose
What drugs should not be used in pregnancy?
Valproate
What methods of contraception should be used?
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
- Copper intra-uterine device
- Progesterone-only implant
How to advise when preparing for pregnancy?
- Healthy eating, ideal weight, supplements (folic acid), smoking cessation, alcohol consumption, drug misuse, existing medical conditions, vaccinations, cervical & STI screening
What should be avoided in pregnancy?
- Vitamin A supplements and food high in vitamin A
- Unpasteurised milk and cheese
- Ripened soft cheese
- Raw/partially cooked eggs
- Caffeine
- Certain seafood
What should the aim for BMI be?
Between 18.5 and 24.9 (overweight BMI > 25, obese >30)
No dieting in pregnancy
What dose of folic acid should be taken?
Folic acid 400mcg daily, 5mg if high risk
Vitamin D (10mcg)
What should be prescribed if smoking cessation required?
NRT
DO NOT prescribe bupropion/varenicline
What is the difference for alcohol consumption accoring to NICE and DoH?
NICE: do not drink at all in the first 3 months, increased risk of miscarriage
DoH: Avoid alcohol
Can methadone be taken during pregnancy?
Yes, neonatal withdrawal syndrome after
What vaccinations are required for pregnancy?
- Ensure up to date with rubella
- Tdap (between 27-36 weeks)
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Others: travel vaccines, Hep A, Hep B, meningococcal
What dose of folic acid should diabetic patients take?
5mg
What type of drugs are used to treat diabetes in pregnancy?
- Metformin, glibenclamide
- Insulin (rapid-acting or isophane NPH insulin)
- Insufficient evidence for long-acting