Education: Prescribing during pregnancy.(Medical condition overview)

Pregnant women's needs are specific and require consideration when prescribing.

In general practice one of our positive, but often quite daunting roles is the care of our pregnant and breastfeeding patients.

During this time women have specific needs that need to be considered when prescribing medication.

Women may contact their GP not only asking advice about health problems requiring treatment, but for advice about their pre-existing medication.

When prescribing during pregnancy and breastfeeding the health of both the mother and her child are important. The following general principles are helpful when thinking about prescribing new medication or the continuation of established medication during pregnancy and in breastfeeding:

- Only prescribe when necessary; if non-pharmacological methods are available and would be adequate you …