Unfortunately, some specific material therapeutic intervention, e.g., diethylstilbestrol or thalidomide, prescribed for problems associated with pregnancy (threatened abortion and nausea of pregnancy, respectively) have had many adverse effect on
the
conceptus.
Given simplified presentations, the general public was convinced that the causes of congenital malformations were well understood and the defects preventable, that parents could be informed with certainty of the risks they would run in future
pregnancy.
Many published reports associated drugs or other agents with congenital malformations. Since it is impossible for anyone to know or remember everything about teratoloty, appropriate literature must be consulted. If the counselor dose so, the
patient can
be further reassured about the accuracy of the advice. During pregnancy, it would appear wise to avoid the administration of any drug which carries a suspicion of teratogenicity unless that drug is specially indicated. These recommendations would
also
apply to any woman of childbearing age in whom conceptions is likely.
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