Medication Use During Pregnancy in the Intensive Care Unit

We summarized the medical literature regarding the safety in pregnancy of medications used in intensive care units. When considering their use, we have to weigh the benefit to the pregnant woman against the risk to the embryo and fetus. While most drugs can be used in pregnancy, it is important to avoid using those that might adversely affect the fetus, replacing them by drugs with similar pharmacologic actions. This is especially important for antiepileptic drugs, as one has to avoid using the more teratogenic drugs like valproic acid, replacing them by less teratogenic drugs such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam (Keppra).