Drug use during pregnancy; asking questions and finding answers for women with a rheumatic disease: Drug use during pregnancy; asking questions and finding answers for women with a rheumatic disease

Objective: Evidence about drug use in pregnancy is scarce and often inconsistent. This study explored what questions women with rheumatic diseases have concerning drug use during pregnancy and their satisfaction with the answers they obtained. Design and methods: Through the website of the Dutch Rheumatism Patient Federation, a questionnaire was offered to women with rheumatic diseases who wish to become pregnant or had this wish in the past, who are pregnant, or who recently gave birth. The questionnaire asked questions on demographics, current and intended drug use, and on drug use during pregnancy. Results are reported in a descriptive way. Results: Of the fifty women returning the questionnaires 66% judged their questions had been answered satisfactorily. 61% reported that doubts and/or fears did not change or even increased after obtaining the information. Conclusion: Most women find their questions on drug use and pregnancy answered, but insufficient information is available to them. Doubts and/or fears remained or increased after obtaining the information.