Effects of Drugs on the Fetus and Neonate

Abstract

During certain phases of development, the fetus and newborn are vulnerable to drugs. The critical phase for the fetus is the first eight weeks, but drugs such as reserpine, propylthiouracil, and the tetracyclines can produce adverse effects even late in pregnancy. In his first few days of life, the newborn is extremely sensitive to the effects of many drugs because of his limited capacity to metabolize and excrete them.