We recognize that the uncertainty surrounding the use of medications and other exposures during pregnancy can cause a great deal of anxiety and confusion for pregnant women, which is why they seek reliable sources of information from their providers like you.
We recognize that the uncertainty surrounding the use of medications and other exposures during pregnancy can cause a great deal of anxiety and confusion for pregnant women, which is why they seek reliable sources of information from their providers like you.
In today’s busy clinical setting, it is not always possible to conduct extensive literature searches for the latest information or to know which resources to trust in your pursuit of answers to the wide-ranging concerns raised by your patients and their families.
As members of the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), we strive to provide timely information about prenatal exposures in order to enable pregnant women and their families to be fully informed. Through our databases and network of consultants we can provide you accurate, current information to help advise your patients.
The teratologic information given in drug manuals is often limited and relies heavily on the FDA classification system.
While the majority of the questions we receive are regarding the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, we do address a wide-range of questions. Examples include:
Herbal supplements
Recreational drugs (e.g. cocaine, marijuana)
Household cleaners
Occupational Exposures
Infections
Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Zika)
Environmental exposures:
We cannot recommend a medication or procedure. We can only provide you with the current data available and the risks it may pose. In more complex situations, we can refer you to the appropriate professional(s) for further assistance.
We do require general information regarding the patient:
All pertinent information regarding the exposure:
The Lactation Study Center at the University of Rochester maintains a database of drugs and medications and provides free information to physicians on their use and effects during breastfeeding. Ruth A. Lawrence, MD is the Director of the center.
Dedicated to providing up-to-date evidence-based information on the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
LactMed is a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.
Thomas Hale, a renowned Breastfeeding Pharmacologist and the author of Medications and Mothers’ Milk, will answer questions posted by health care providers only to the web site.
“Excellent Service!! It is truly a comfort to know the line is available. I have asthma and allergies and so very often questions come up. Extremely helpful!! Thank you for a great service!
– Boston, MA
“I was very happy to be able to speak with you guys about my concerns for the baby before terminating the pregnancy because of what people were telling me and basically scaring me to thinks all the things I was exposed to would have an effect on the baby. And now all I can do is thank God I can hold my perfect baby in my arms.”
– Wallagrass, ME
It really pleases me that your service is also directly available to the patients. Thank you!