Drugs and Technology in Pregnancy and Child‐birth—Review of Literature

Abstract

Literature on the use of drugs and technology in pregnancy and in child‐birth is reviewed, giving the general trend of findings in the case of studies and surveys. Very little of the literature is unreservedly positive and much of it emphasizes the need for caution and the risks that exist in both the use of drugs and the use of most forms of technology applicable to investigations and procedures during pregnancy and child‐birth. There is clearly an imperative need for research in this area, before expensive equipment is purchased for every centre which may be used for obstetric cases. There is also a need to educate women in this area to ensure that they can make informed decisions about what they will accept in treatment and what they will not accept.