Medication Use among Pregnant Women from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Medication use during pregnancy is a common practice that has been increasing in recent years. The aim of this study is to describe medication use among pregnant women from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Methods: This paper relies on a population-based cohort study including 4270 women. Participants completed a questionnaire about the antenatal period, including information about medication use. We performed descriptive analyses of the sample and the medications used and adjusted analyses for the use of medications and self-medication. Results: The prevalence of medication use was 92.5% (95% CI 91.7–93.3), excluding iron salts, folic acid, vitamins, and other minerals. The prevalence of self-medication was 27.7% (95% CI 26.3–29.1). In the adjusted analysis, women who had three or more health problems during pregnancy demonstrated higher use of medicines. Self-medication was higher in lower income groups and among smokers and multiparous women (three pregnancies or more). Acetaminophen, scopolamine, and dimenhydrinate were the medications most commonly used. Conclusions: This study describes the pattern of drug use among pregnant women in a population-based cohort study, with a high prevalence of self-medication. Greater awareness of the risks of self-medication during pregnancy is required, focusing on groups more prone to this practice, as well as ensuring qualified multidisciplinary prenatal care.

Drug therapy during pregnancy

“…Furthermore, the average number of medications used anytime in pregnancy increased two-fold during that period 2 . More recent research from different countries has found that medications are widely used during pregnancy, with the prevalence of using at least one drug ranging from 60 to 90 percent, excluding vitamins and minerals [3][4][5] .…”

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Medication Use in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

“…Numerous studies have examined the patterns of use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications during pregnancy [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. However, no prior research has aimed to understand the patterns of use of cardiovascular drugs and other therapies for HDP, primarily for those living in LMICs.…”

Knowledge regarding teratogens among women of childbearing age at a large tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

“…Such study is highly justified since some patients are believed to make deliberate decisions regarding their medication use, based on their beliefs about the disease and its treatment. [ 29 30 ] Effective counselling has been associated with better and positive outcomes in terms of knowledge and practice of the safe and utilization of drugs and the understanding of many medical conditions that may happen during pregnancy.…”