Teratology and developmental pharmacology: Why should paediatricians care?

It is important to adopt an evidence-based approach to support rational use of drugs during pregnancy and lactation, both to prevent malformations and to correct misperceptions about drug use during this critical period of life. To demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of a teratology information service and its relevance to the local child health practice, we use five clinical scenarios to illustrate the spectrum of issues commonly encountered by medical professionals of different disciplines from paediatricians, obstetricians to family practitioners. We discuss the service gap that exists in Hong Kong and the key issues, the necessary steps to introduce and sustain a local teratology information and drug counselling service to pregnant or breast-feeding women and their health care providers regarding the risks to the growth and development of their babies.