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Question 1

What percentage of pregnant women use OTC medication?

Answer 1

80%

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are commonly used by pregnant women, often without consulting healthcare providers.

Question 2

What are the trimesters of pregnancy and their corresponding weeks?

Answer 2

1st trimester: 1-12 weeks, 2nd trimester: 13-27 weeks, 3rd trimester: 28-40 weeks

Each trimester represents distinct stages of fetal development.

Question 3

What are the stages of development during pregnancy?

Answer 3

Pre-embryonic stage: 0-17 days, Embryonic stage: 18-56 days, Foetal stage: 8-38 weeks

These stages reflect different periods of development from implantation to maturation.

Question 4

What common issues may arise regarding medication use in pregnant women?

Answer 4

Women may have taken medicines unaware they are pregnant, Chronic illnesses that require drugs, Require treatment after pregnancy for conditions like hypertension

These issues highlight the complexities of managing health during pregnancy.

Question 5

What changes occur in absorption during pregnancy?

Answer 5

Less due to reduced gastrointestinal motility, More due to increased blood circulation and lung function

These changes can affect how medications are absorbed in the body.

Question 6

What are the changes in distribution of drugs during pregnancy?

Answer 6

Less because of reduced plasma proteins, More due to increased fat disposition, increased plasma volume, and increased volume of water in the body

These factors can influence drug efficacy and safety.

Question 7

What happens to drug metabolism during pregnancy?

Answer 7

Both decreases and increases; monitoring is needed for drugs with a narrow therapeutic range

For instance, theophylline may require lower doses, whereas methadone may need higher doses.

Question 8

What are the changes in elimination of drugs during pregnancy?

Answer 8

Increased glomerular filtration, Increased elimination of penicillin and digoxin

These changes can lead to altered drug levels in pregnant women.

Question 9

What is teratogenesis?

Answer 9

The process by which congenital malformations are produced in an embryo or foetus due to exposure to teratogens

Teratogens are harmful substances that can affect fetal development.

Question 10

What is the effect of timing of exposure to teratogens during pregnancy?

Answer 10

Pre-embryonic stage: all or nothing effect; Embryonic phase: major birth defects; Foetal phase: less susceptible but risk of structural and functional issues

The timing significantly influences the type and severity of birth defects.

Question 11

What is the significance of dose-response relationships in teratogenesis?

Answer 11

Harmful effects depend on the dose; steep dose-response curve indicates small increases in dose can lead to large increases in effect

Cumulative exposure over time can also have significant effects, even at low doses.