The prevalence of medication use during pregnancy is widespread and on the rise. More than 80% of pregnant women take OTC or prescription drugs during pregnancy, with only 60% of these patients consulting a health care professional when selecting a product. There is a delicate risk-benefit estimation concerning the health of both the mother and the fetus that must be considered in the use of drugs during pregnancy.A study investigating the use of prescription, OTC, and herbal medicines in a rural obstetric population of 578 participants found that over 90% of the patients took either prescription and/or OTC medication.A larger cohort study (multicenter, urban) found that 64% of expectant mothers had been prescribed a drug other than a vitamin or mineral supplement at some point during their pregnancy
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