hormone and related substances in pregnancy

Last reviewed 01/2018

• progestogens may affect foetal liver function. The use of progestogens of the nortestosterone family e.g. norethisterone, may cause masculinization of the female foetus

• antithyroid medication may cause cretinism

• corticosteroids (1):
  • use of corticosteroids for prolonged periods or repeatedly in pregnancy is associated with intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the foetus
  • no convincing evidence that systemic corticosteroids cause an increased risk of congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip or palate
  • prednisolone is excreted in small amounts into breast milk. However, systemic effects in the infant are unlikely with doses of up to 40mg of prednisolone or equivalent; infants should be monitored for adrenal suppression if the mothers are taking a higher dose

• stilboestrol this drug has been linked to the subsequent development of vaginal carcinoma and adenosis in teenagers if their mothers received the drug during pregnancy

Reference:

1. Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance (1998), 24, 9.