Risques médicamenteux chez la femme enceinte

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to inform and to sensitize women of child bearing age about the risks and potential hazards during a particularly sensitive phase of life, i.e. pregnancy with therapeutic drugs and other xenobiotics. Several situations may occur for the pregnant woman: (a) drug treatment which is justified and essential for conditions during pregnancy; (b) the sometimes dangerous self-medication and over consumption of "candy" drugs; (c] prolonged exposure to potentially toxic agents in the environment (nutrition and life environment) and, (d) problems related to abuse of addictive drugs and to some harmful habits such as alcohol, abuse, tobacco smoking and overconsumption of caffeine-containing beverages. Biological consequences of these xenobiotics must be examined not only in the woman (future or actual mother] but also in the child in relation to possible short and long-term effects (maldevelopment, malfunctioning and maladaptation). Women who are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant must inform themselves about the risks of therapeutic drugs and other xenobiotics and must accept responsibility for the future of their baby which depends on them.