A: Controlled studies in animals AND women have shown no risk in the 1st trimester, and possible fetal harm is remote

B: Either animal studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal studies have shown an adverse effect that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester

C: No controlled studies in humans have been performed and animal studies have shown adverse events, or studies in humans and animals are not available; give only if potential benefit outweighs the risk

D: Positive evidence of fetal risk is available, but the benefits may outweight the risk if life-threatening or serious disease

X: Use in pregnancy is contraindicated

Try to avoid all drugs if possible during 1st trimester (organogenesis) and use lifestyle recommendations first

Whenever a young women enters the pharmacy, she should be asked if she is consuming adequate folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D. What are the adequate levels?

Folic Acid: 400 mcg daily

Calcium: 1000 mg daily

Vitamin D: 600 IU daily

What supplement should any woman planning to conceive (and all women of child-bearing age) take?

Folic Acid. To help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects).

Folic Acid needs to be taken before pregnancy!