ObstetricsTier 2Topic

Appropriate prescribing in pregnancy and lactation

The default error

The default error is stopping a needed drug, not starting a harmful one
- Untreated epilepsy, asthma, depression, thyroid disease, SLE, VTE and hypertension harm mother and fetus more than the great majority of the drugs used to treat them
Every decision is a comparison of two risks, never an absolute judgement

Australian TGA pregnancy categories - and their limits

Epidemiology

Timing determines the type of harm

Placental transfer

Lactation - principles

Before prescribing to any person of childbearing potential

Pre-pregnancy planning - where most of the benefit lies

If exposure has already occurred

Drugs to avoid - the absolute list

Valproate specifically

Common conditions - what to use

Lactation - practice

Practical safeguards

Associations

Background and attributable risk

15 more sections, plus exam facts

Premium unlocks every note across every specialty, and the full exam fact library behind it.

Get premium access