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Abstract

The contemporary generation utilizes specific pharmaceuticals to treat ailments, irrespective of their detrimental effects on genetic material. More specifically, the lifestyles of expectant mothers and the medications they come across during pregnancy, such as antiemetic, antacid, antihistamine, analgesic, antibacterial, diuretic, sedative, and other medications, exert a significant influence on the utilization of these drugs. Certain pharmaceuticals require a period of 30 to 60 minutes to reach equilibrium in maternal and fetal circulation, albeit at different concentrations and under varying conditions. Variables, including placental potency, dosage, maternal characteristics, drug efficacy, and gestational age at the time of exposure, contribute to the impact of drugs on the fetus. Notably, during the initial three weeks of pregnancy, a developing fetus is more susceptible than the mother. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has documented spontaneous abortion, allergies, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension, depression, and anxiety, as well as mild to severe functional or metabolic abnormalities as commonly reported complications during pregnancy. This review aims to ascertain the transplacental genotoxicity associated with medications employed for treating allergies and high blood pressure during pregnancy, along with the potential preventive measures using single or polyherbal formulations. INTRODUCTION:More than half of pregnant women use prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and the prevalence is rising lately. Absolute necessary medications should only be used during pregnancy, as they may harm fetuses too. Treating diseases with medications is responsible for 2% to 3% of birth defects, probably due to the easy availability of drugs coupled with inadequate health services, self-medications for common complaints, and infective conditions than the prescribed drugs resulting in adverse drug reactions and drug interactions.