Outcomes of drug exposition during pregnancy: Analysis from a teratology information service

Abstract Objective We aimed to characterize drug exposures during pregnancy where the outcome was known that had benefited from counselling through our Teratology Information Service (TIS) between 1994–2016. Study design This observational study analysed data collected through the drug exposures during pregnancy counselling. Data was analysed descriptively. Results Data from a total of 1’374 pregnant women were collected. Mean age was of 32 years. These women were exposed to more than ten drugs in 1.4 % (N = 19) of cases, with a mean drug intake of two. Analysis of the drugs altogether (N = 3′129) showed that FDA Pregnancy Category C drugs represented 42.9 % (N = 1′342) of drugs and ATC code N (nervous system) represented 36.4 % (N = 1′138). The onset of drug exposure was during the first trimester of pregnancy in 95.1 % (N = 2′982) of patients. Regarding outcomes, the rate of induced abortion was 10.8 % (N = 151), of pregnancy complications was 11.2 % (N = 157) and of malformations was 4.5 % (N = 49). Conclusion Pregnant women counselled by our TIS take a mean of two drugs, ranging from one to 17. Drugs are from FDA Pregnancy Category C and ATC N drugs in most cases, 42.9 % and 36.4 % respectively. The rate of malformation of our cohort was of 4.5 %, close to the estimated spontaneous rate of malformation. This data gives a reassuring aspect of drug exposure in pregnancy but takes into account the outcome at birth only.