A to X: the problem of categorisation of drugs in pregnancy — an Australian perspective

Pregnant women and their health care providers deserve better drug labelling, so that risks and benefits of medications can be weighed up rationally

Given that over 80% of women use at least one prescribed or over-the-counter medication (typically one to three) at some time during their pregnancy, most medical practitioners who treat women of reproductive age can expect frequent questions about the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.1 In addition, as the average age of women having babies increases, their likelihood of having medical disorders that complicate pregnancy (such as hypertension) or chronic conditions also increases.