Most women are aware that they need to avoid as many medications as possible during pregnancy. These include over-the-counter and traditional medicine. Certain medications can have more than one harmful effect on the baby at any time during pregnancy. The medications taken by the mother can cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. The effect any medication has on the developing baby depends on the medication itself and the trimester of pregnancy the medication is taken in. It is important to weigh the benefits of a particular medication to the mother against the risks of that same medication to the baby. The baby's heart, lung and brain systems are formed in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Medications taken during this time can affect this development, which can result in malformations or birth defects. However, some drugs can interfere with functional development of organ systems and the central nervous system in the second and third trimesters and therefore produce serious consequences. It is important that your doctor discuss these benefits and risks carefully with you before any drug treatment is initiated. You should not take any medications (including non-prescription drugs such as laxatives and cold medicines) without your doctor's approval. If in doubt, discuss it with your doctor, pharmacist or call the DPIC at 6423-9119.