Academic- Prescribing in Pregnancy and Lactation

Pharmacology expert and seasoned clinician Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald introduces core principles of safe and effective prescribing in pregnancy and lactation, central to which is that safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy is not interchangeable between these two health states. In pregnancy, medications are metabolized and excreted by the mother and the primary consideration is whether or not it crosses the placenta. In lactation, medication is metabolized and excreted by the infant and the primary consideration is whether or not it distributes in breast milk. For more advanced information on both topics, see Dr. Fitzgerald's on demand offerings Prescribing in Pregnancy: A focus on safety and efficacy and Pharmacologic Intervention during Lactation: A focus on safety and efficacy.