Evaluation of medication and herbal product use among pregnant women

Abstract

The use of medications and herbal products among women increases after pregnancy. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the frequency of medication used and analyzed them based on the FDA pregnancy risk categories. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 adult volunteers attending antenatal care in a university-affiliated hospital. Medications were classified according to the FDA pregnancy risk classification. In 97,7% of women, the use of at least one medication during pregnancy. The median count for Category A medications was 2. Category C and B medications were reported by 100 (33,3%) and 53 women (17,7%). There was a significant difference between the education level and the use of herbal products (p=0.043). Pharmacists should take a greater role in educating pregnant women and women of childbearing age about the possible consequences of medications on the development of the fetus and guide healthcare practitioners in choosing the most appropriate medications.