Objective To investigate medications prescribed for pregnant women and their potential teratogenicity risk in Kemisse General Hospital. Result A total of 263 medical records of pregnant women were reviewed, of which 234 pregnant women were prescribed with a total of 430 prescription drugs. The average numbers of drugs per pregnant women was found to be 1.84. Most pregnant women 166 (63.2%) were in the third trimester and more than half of them (51.3%) were multigravida. The maximum number of drugs were prescribed in the second trimester 162 (37.67%) followed by third trimester 143 (33.26%). Supplemental drugs were the most widely used medications 297 (69.07%) and followed by 82 (19.1%) drugs from category B; 54 (12.6%) drugs from category C; and the rest 7 (1.6%) drugs from category D. There was no any drug from category X. Moreover, approximately one third of the pregnant women encountered with drugs from category B, C and D. However, there were no FDA category C and D drugs prescribed in first trimester.

Background Drug use during pregnancy requires special consideration because both fetus and the mother are affected. Drug teratogenicity is most likely to occur when drugs are taken during first trimester of pregnancy when fetal organs are formed. In addition, drugs at second and third trimester may affect the growth and functional development of the fetus or have toxic effect on fetal tissues. Objective The objective of this study was to assess potential teratogenecity risk and drug use pattern in Kemisse General Hospital. Methods An institution based cross sectional study was conducted by reviewing a one year medical records (from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011) of pregnant women attending maternal and child health clinic of the hospital. Systematic random sampling was employed to select a total of 263 pregnant women. Structured data abstraction format was used for collection of data and then data were coded, entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Result A total of 263 medical records of pregnant women were reviewed, of which 234 pregnant women were prescribed with a total of 430 prescription drugs. The average numbers of drugs per pregnant women was found to be 1.84. Most pregnant women 166 (63.2%) were in the third trimester and more than half of them (51.3%) were multigravida. The maximum number of drugs were prescribed in the second trimester 162 (37.67%) followed by third trimester 143(33.26%). Supplemental drugs were the most widely used medications 297 (69.07%) and followed by 82 (19.1%) drugs from category B; 54 (12.6%) drugs from category C; and the rest 7 (1.6%) drugs from category D. There was no any drug from category X. Conclusion Approximately one third of the pregnant women encountered with drugs from category B, C and D. However, there were no FDA category C and D drugs prescribed in first trimester. There was no drug utilized by pregnant women from FDA pregnancy risk category X.