B4 Members:

CURA, Danise Michelle KIBLASEN, Chrisha Jayne

DEL ROSARIO, Aira Joy
DONGGA-AS, Sancha
GALABOC, Jasmine Bae
GAMBOA, Sophia Marie
GARCIA, Micah Angeli
OZO, Niccolo Shanahan
RAMOS, Rendel Icee
SACLA, Francis Angelo
VICENTE, Jerica Reiyquin

HOW DO DRUGS AND CHEMICALS AFFECT PREGNANCY AND THE FETUS?

Principles that govern drug intake during pregnancy:

● During pregnancy, it is important for women to avoid taking in any medication or herbal supplement that has not been specifically prescribed or
approved by their obstetrician, as any such substance could potentially harm the well-being of the fetus in certain situations.
● A woman who is capable of bearing children should refrain from taking any medication unless it has been prescribed by an obstetric provider. This
precaution is to prevent any potential drug exposure in the event that she becomes pregnant.

Although medications may help certain conditions during pregnancy, the safest way to avoid fetal abnormalities is NOT to TAKE ANY MEDICATION,
especially if not needed. It is always best to consult a physician; if permitted, the decision is based on the fact that the benefits outweigh the risks. In relation to
this, here are list of drugs and chemical agents that can affect pregnancy:

TERATOGEN DESCRIPTION SOURCE OF THE EFFECTS ON EFFECTS ON PREVENTION

(Drugs) TERATOGEN MOTHER FETUS

Alcohol This beverage contains ethanol, which acts as a – wine – adverse health – fetal alcohol – do not drink alcohol
drug and is produced by fermentation of grains, – beer problem spectrum disorder during pregnancy
fruits and other sources of sugar. – whiskey – increased BP – miscarriage
– liver problems – preterm birth
– certain mental – low birth weight
health issues

Analgesics Medications that relieve different types of pain. – Acetylsalicylic – prolonged – causes patent – consider
Painkiller or pain relievers. acid (aspirin) pregnancy ductus arteriosus non-pharmacological
– Nonsteroidal – maternal bleeding approaches like heat
antiinflammatory and cold therapy,
drugs (NSAIDs) physical therapy
Antineoplastics Medications used to treat cancer. – Methotrexate – not recommended – multiple birth – comprehensive
Used as chemotherapy. (Trexall) during pregnancy anomalies / prenatal care and
– – can cause defects consulting with a
Cyclophosphamid miscarriages and multidisc iplinary team
e (Cytoxan) other adverse is a must
outcome

Androgens Male sex hormone. – Danazol – maintain pregnancy – masculinization – consider alternative
A substance capable of developing and (Cyclomen) – support fetal growth of female fetus treatments like
maintaining masculine characteristics in non-pharmacological
reproductive tissues (notably the genital tract, approaches, if not,
secondary sexual characteristics, and fertility) consult with a health
and contributing to the anabolic status of somatic provider specifically
tissues. with expertise in
Treat endometriosis. endocrinology

Anticonvulsants – Anti-seizure – Phenytoin – increased risk of – fetal hydantoin – consider

– Treats epilepsy and other causes of seizures. (Dilantin), Valproic birth defects if taken syndrome non-pharmacological
Can treat other conditions like anxiety and acid (Depakote), during pregnancy – cleft palate approaches for seizure
neuropathic pain. Carbamazepine – neural tube management
(Tegretol) defects
– possibly fetal
anomalies

Anticoagulants Medicines that help prevent blood clots – Warfarin – increased incidence – fetal bleeding or – search for a type of
especially individuals that are at high risk of (Coumadin) of fetal wastage, anomalies anticoagulant that is
deep vein thrombosis prematurity, and low considered safe to take
birth weight during pregnancy like
Heparin. Moreover,
Warfarin is avoided
during pregnancy as it
can harm the
developing fetus

Antidepressant Medicine used to treat clinical depression. – Imipramine – maternal weight – cardiovascular – assess risk and
(Tofranil) changes anomalies severity of depression
– premature birth first, and it is important
 for pregnant woman to
receive education
about depression

Antidiabetic Treat hyperglycemia during pregnancy in women – Chlorpropamide – Hypoglycemia – neonatal – consult a physician
agents with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or (ApoChlorpropami – Headache hypoglycemia first before taking any
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). de) – increase in appetite – increased antidiabetic agents
– Metformin and weight offspring weight
– Flu-like symptoms

Antischizophreni – aka neuroleptics – Lithium – gestational diabetes – polyhydramnios – consult a physician

c – antipsychotic medications to treat (Lithobid) (excessive first before taking any
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders amniotic fluid) antibiotics.
– alleviate or manages the symptoms of disorder
(include hallucinations, delusion, disorganized
thinking and impaired perception of reality)

Antithyroid -used to treat hyperthyroidism – Methimazole Side effects might be – hyperthyroidism – consult a physician
-inhibits the production or release of thyroid (Tapazole) experienced like: in fetus first before taking any
hormones in the thyroid glands – propylthiouracil – rash – increased risk antithyroid medications.
-help normalize thyroid function and alleviate (PTU) – itching for birth defects
symptoms of hyperthyroidism – abnormal hair loss

Antibiotics -used to treat bacterial infection either by killing – Sulfonamides – large doses may – – drink antibiotics
the bacterial or inhibiting their growth and Tetracycline encourage growth of hyperbilirubinemia consulted by your
production (ApoTetra) thrush in the mother in fetus, teeth and physician. If unsure,
by killing all the bone deformities consult your physician
natural gut bacteria. first before taking any
antibiotics.

Antiviral -to treat and manage viral infections – Ribavirin -prevent and manage – multiple – drink antivirals
-inhibit the multiplication and spread of virus (Rebetol) infectious diseases anomalies consulted by your
within the body -reduce risk on physician. If unsure,
transmitting virus to consult your physician
fetus first before taking any
antivirals.

Angiotensin-con - Treat hypertension, heart failure, and certain – Enalapril Side effects might be – can cause – avoid ACE intake
verting enzyme kidney disorders (Vasotec); experienced like: oligohydramnios during second and third
inhibitor -inhibits the activity of ACE, which regulate BP captopril – swelling of face, (reduce amount of trimester or better
and fluid balance in the body (Capoten) eyes, mouth, lips, amniotic fluid) consult doctors for
tongue, and throat further discussion and
prescription

Caffeine – stimulants of methylxanthine class in the – coffee – increases blood – low birth weight – limit or don’t drink
central nervous system – soft drinks pressure and heart – reduce the blood coffee during
– temporarily increase alertness, reduce fatigue – chocolate rate supply to the fetus pregnancy (preferably
and improve concentration less than 200mg)
– blocks action of neurotransmitter called – increases the
adenosine keeps individual awake and alert frequency of urination – increase fetal
– stimulates (increases the activity of) your brain that causes reduction heart rate
and nervous system in body fluids that can
lead to dehydration

Hypoglycemics – used to lower or control blood sugar levels of –Tolbutamide – low blood sugar – profound – consider taking oral
those with diabetes (Orinase) hyperglycemia in hypoglycemic agents
newborns ordered by your doctor.
Better to consult your
physician first before
taking any
hypoglycemics.

Narcotics – aka opioid drugs, from opium poppy plant – Cocaine, Heroin – causes extreme – Dysmorphic – certain narcotics like
– pain-reliever (analgesic) vasoconstriction to – central nervous pain relievers must be
– induce feelings of euphoria and intense mother system (CNS) limited or if possible,
relaxation anomalies not used.
– social pleasure – growth – avoid intake of
restriction narcotics like cocaine.

Nicotine – chemical compound found in the leaves of – Tobacco/ – increased maternal – slower growth – do not smoke or vape
tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) cigarettes blood pressure and and development during pregnancy
– central nervous system stimulant, increase – vape heart rate, with a – reduced oxygen
alertness, concentration and temporary sense of concomitant reduction supply and
well-being in uterine blood flow nutrients due to
– activates neurotransmitters like dopamine carbon monoxide
leading to pleasurable sensations and nicotine in
– relaxation tobacco smoke
 – impaired
development and
working of the
placenta

Radiopharmace – used to diagnose certain medical problems – Iodide-131 – pregnancy loss – may destroy – avoid close contact
uticals (Hicon) might by experienced thyroid of fetus with people who
received radiation
therapy.

Thalidomide – sedative and anti-nausea drug – Thalidomide – may experience its – causes amelia – consult your
-alleviates morning sickness in pregnant women side effects: or phocomelia on physician first before
somnolence and the fetus using thalidomide.
Note: its use during pregnancy led to one of the fatigue
most significant pharmaceutical disasters in
history

Tranquilizers – sedatives or anxiolytics – Diazepam – drowsiness – growth – reduce intake of

– primarily used to reduce stress, induce (Valium) – increased risk of restriction; CNS tranquilizers, better to
relaxation and promote calmness – Benzodiazepines respiratory distress dysfunction, consult your physician
hypotonia, first before using
respiratory tranquilizers.
depression

Vaccines (live) Type of vaccines that contained weakened or – Rubella – side effects of the – Possible – consult your
attenuated forms of live microorganisms (ProQuad) vaccine might be infections in fetus physician first about
– stimulate an immune response without causing – BCG experienced like acquiring a vaccine.
the disease they are intended to protect against – PCV headache, fever, and
– prevents various of infectious diseases – Pfizer chills.
– control and eradicate certain pathogens –Astrazenica
– provide immunity

Vitamin A – aka retinoids, chemical compounds derived – tretinoin cream High doses might -low birth weight, – avoid taking or using
derivatives from Vitamin A cause: preterm delivery, vitamin A derivatives.
– plays essential roles in various biological intrauterine death Consult your physician
processes like vision, immunity and skin health -miscarriage first.
– used to help clear up severe acne and
psoriasis
 TERATOGEN DESCRIPTION SOURCE OF THE EFFECTS ON EFFECTS ON PREVENTION
(Chemical TERATOGEN MOTHER FETUS
Agents)

– used to destroy or control weeds – stream or – interfere with the – birth defects – eat fresh, organic
Pesticides groundwater female hormonal – learning or food whenever
– crops sprayed function developmental possible.
with pesticides – miscarriage disabilities

Lead – used for car batteries, pigments, ammunition, – lead-based paints – lead exposure over – cause the baby – in reducing possible
and more. – drinking water a long time or has had to be born too lead levels in tap
(seldom) high levels of lead in early or too small water: (1) run it for 30
– children’s jewelry
their blood in the past, seconds before using it
and toys – hurt the baby’s
the lead stored in their and/or (2) purchase a
bones can be brain, kidneys, and water filter which
released into the nervous system indicates on the label
blood during that it removes lead.
pregnancy. This – cause the child – avoid vintage and
means that the level of to have learning or antique products
lead in their blood can behavior problems because older toys
start to increase and other products
during pregnancy. may contain
lead-based paint.
– thoroughly
wash/clean surfaces
and safely dispose of
contaminated waste,
especially if lead is
suspected.

Phthalates / – make plastics more durable – vinyl flooring – high miscarriage – anatomical – do not come in
Plasticizers – lubricating oils rates abnormalities contact with its
– soaps – reduced fertility related to the male sources. Find products
– shampoos – longer time to genitalia that do not contain
– hair sprays conception phthalates.
Bispennols – to harden or manufacture polycarbonate – shatterproof – BPA treatment can – affect placental – reduce usage of
(BPA, BPB, BPF, plastics windows affect mother’s development canned goods
BPS) – eyewear glucose metabolism – suboptimal fetal – do not microwave
– water bottles later in life3 growth polycarbonate plastic
– epoxy resins that – adverse birth food containers
coat some metal outcomes – use products that are
food cans, bottle BPA free.
tops, and water
supply pipes.

PFAS (PFOA, – to make fluoropolymer coatings and products – cleaning products – fertility issues – lower birth – limit amount of fast
Gen-X, PFBS) that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water – water-resistant – liver damage weight food, microwave
fabrics like – shorter usage, and buy
umbrellas and tents gestational age cookwares that does
– non-stick – preterm birth not contain PFA.
cookware

Mercury – chemical compounds found in batteries, in contact with high – damage lungs, – impact the child’s – don’t eat fish that
biocides in paper industry, in paints, and on levels of mercury kidneys and nervous neurologic and contain high amounts
seed grain, as antiseptics in pharmaceuticals, like: system (that includes cognitive of mercury, like
as reagents in laboratories, and as catalysts. – consumption of the brain, spinal cord development swordfish, king
fish and shellfish and nerves) – attention-deficit / mackerel, and tilefish.
contaminated with – hearing and vision hyperactivity – don’t use a vacuum
methylmercury problems disorder–related cleaner to clean spilled
– worker inhalation behavior in mercury.
of elemental children – ask an adult who’s
mercury vapors not pregnant to throw
during industrial away any broken
processes thermometers or
fluorescent light bulbs.

PERC and TCE – used in the dry-cleaning of fabrics, including – paint – preterm delivery – poor growth of – buy materials that
clothes – spot removers – need for C-section the baby does not contain
– water repellents – stillbirth PERC and TCE
– brake and wood – possibility to
cleaners exhibit Neonatal
– glues Abstinence
– suede protectors Syndrome (NAS)
Flame retardants – used in the manufacture of furniture, – foam – alter thyroid – affect fetal – regularly hand wash
(PBDEs, carpeting, and other products to reduce – upholstery hormones growth and brain – check furniture
OPFRs) flammability – carpets – give birth early development labels. “CONTAINS
– furnitures NO ADDED FLAME
RETARDANTS” must
be seen.

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