Good Medicine Can Be Bad for Baby

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A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Good Medicine Can Be Bad for Baby
National Birth Defects Prevention Month — January 2011
Recorded: January 13, 2011; posted: January 14, 2011

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC — safer, healthier people.

Advancements in medications have helped improve the lives of millions of people. However, some medications that are used to treat a woman’s medical conditions can have adverse effects on her unborn baby. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S. Over-the-counter or prescription medications taken during pregnancy are a potential cause of birth defects. About two thirds of women use at least one medication during pregnancy. If you or someone you know is pregnant or about to become pregnant, consult with a health care provider about the risk for using particular medications during pregnancy.

Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.