Drug usage analysis in pregnant women

BACKGROUNDDrug usage in pregnant women is associated with a problem of possible negative influence on prenatal development. It is always necessary to judge the need for drug administration during pregnancy. OBJECTIVEThe aim of presented study was to analyse data about pregnant women hospitalized in the postpartum period. METHODSThe study was designed as a retrospective observational study including 300 women hospitalized at the 2nd Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Bratislava. Data were obtained through questionnaires in form of an interview. RESULTSThe average age of women was 30.79 ± 4.40 years. Risk pregnancy occured in 20.59 % of women. Chronic disorders before pregnancy required regular pharmacotherapy in 29.24 %. Drug usage analysis: I. trimester, 31 % used at least one drug, 52 % nutritional supplements, 63.3 % drug and/or nutritional supplement; II. trimester, 23 % used at least one drug, 45 % nutritional supplements, 58.3 % drug and/or nutritional supplement; III. trimester, 32 % used at least one drug, 67 % nutritional supplements, 75.3 % drug and/or nutritional supplement. CONCLUSIONDrug usage during pregnancy requires great precaution at choosing pharmacotherapy. The benefit of pharmacotherapy should always outweight the potential risk of administered drug (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 37).