Drugs in pregnancy and childbirth

Abstract

The drugs that are able to cross the placental barrier use different transport mechanisms which may depend or not depend on energy and on the physical and chemical properties of the agents themselves. Among the main drugs that can be used during pregnancy are antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetic drugs, antiemetics, antacids, laxative agents, antidiarrheic agents, antibiotics, hypoglycemic agents, hypolipidemic agents, anticoagulants, antifungal agents, anticonvulsants and anorexigenic drugs, and anti-obesity drugs. It should be emphasized that it is of crucial importance for the prescribing professionals to be aware of the risks and benefits of given drugs and to have a clear and participative dialogue with pregnant women.