Q&A

Teratology Information Services (TIS) provide information on the possible risks of exposure to drugs and other exogenous agents during pregnancy and lactation.

Teratology Information Services are consulted by the medical profession and other health care professionals, some of them counsel lay people as well. Answers provided are specifically oriented towards individual patients. Detailed knowledge of dose, time of exposure, adverse effects on the mother related to the exposure, diseases, previous pregnancies, family history of the patient and the pharmacological and toxicological properties of the agents have to be taken into account to make a specific risk assessment.

When you have a specific question. Please check the Centers section for the TIS in your area.

Find Your Local TIS Center →
1
Stage 1

Before pregnancy

Pre-conceptional exposures and family planning considerations

A couple is planning a pregnancy and is being exposed to drugs/chemicals.
  • What is the risk?
  • Should this exposure be changed or stopped?
  • Does this exposure decrease fertility?
2
Stage 2

During pregnancy

Gestational safety, inadvertent exposures, and acute clinical scenarios

A pregnant woman has taken a drug before she realises that she is pregnant
  • What is the risk?
  • Would recommending termination of pregnancy be justified?
  • What prenatal diagnostic procedures can be offered?
A drug has to be prescribed to a pregnant woman
  • Is it safe?
  • Is there a less toxic/teratogenic drug with comparable therapeutic efficacy to which the woman should be transferred?
  • Is the risk of taking a drug greater than the risk of the disease for which the drug is taken?
  • Are there risks acceptable to the patient when compared with the spontaneous risk of developmental disorders?
A pregnant woman has attempted to commit suicide by taking an overdose of a drug.
  • What information should be given to the physician at the emergency department?
  • Can the appropriate antidote be given to her?
A pregnant woman is addicted to drugs/alcohol.
  • Do they have an adverse effect on the course of pregnancy?
  • What are the effects on fetal development?
  • Can neonatal problems be expected or are there any long-term consequences for the child?
A pregnant woman is exposed at work to certain chemicals.
  • What is the risk?
  • Should she continue this work?
A pregnant woman is exposed to an infectious agent.
  • What are the risks of a maternal infection for the fetus?
  • Are techniques available for the diagnosis of a fetal infection and what are the management options?
  • Similar questions are made for non-infectious maternal diseases.
A pregnant woman has been exposed to…
  • What are the risks of certain physical exposures such as heat and radiation (especially x-rays and radioactive materials), vaccinations or environmental pollution?
A man has been exposed to chemicals or has been treated with drugs.
  • Are there any paternally mediated risks for the fetus or baby?
3
Stage 3

After Pregnancy

Lactation pharmacology and neonatal outcome evaluations

A baby is born with a birth defect or a neonatal disorder.
  • Can this be attributed to a drug or chemical to which the mother was exposed before or during pregnancy?
A drug has to be prescribed to a mother while she is breastfeeding. A mother uses a prescription drug or is exposed to an other exogenous agent, while breastfeeding.
  • What is the (relative) dose the neonate (infant) is exposed to?
  • Is this acceptable for its age?
  • What is the treatment of choice during breastfeeding?

When you have a specific question. Please check the Centers page for the TIS in your area.

Find Your Local TIS Center →