[Genetic counseling in relation to drug intake in early pregnancy].

Abstract

In a series of 153 women with intake of drugs during early pregnancy the pregnancy was terminated in 22% of all cases. There were the following results of the 119 non-terminated pregnancies: delivery of a normal, healthy baby: 84%; abortion: 5%; still birth and premature birth, respectively: 3,5%. An abnormal phenotype was seen in 7% of the newborns, but only 3 cases with major malformation (cleft lip, club-foot, cataract) could be noted. Compared with normal pregnancies the results do not confirm an enhanced risk for malformations by intake of drugs during early pregnancy. Unfounded anxiety of physicians as well as of pregnant women with indicated pharmacotherapy should be reduced by better information and education.