Abstract

To conduct a study on the awareness of perception on the adverse effect of drugs on the fetus during pregnancy among married women. A questionnaire was drafted to assess the awareness of married women on the adverse effect of drugs on the fetus during pregnancy. The questionnaire was given randomly and completed by 100 married women. Data obtained were tabulated and analyzed. Most of the participants (94%) of this study have been prescribed with medication during their previous pregnancy, and the majority (92%) of them have knowledge about the prescribed drugs. During their previous pregnancy, 15% of the respondents take other medication like supplement and only 7% from them take herbs. About 97% of the respondents knew that certain drugs can cause negative effect to their baby and possibility to lead to child abnormalities. About 89% of the respondents also believed they will lose their baby if they taking medicine excessively or unmonitored by doctor. Drugs are used by pregnant mother to relief pain and discomfort during pregnancy. The drugs used must be safe for both mother and fetus. Therefore, this study helps to increase their awareness on the medication used during pregnancy as well as its adverse effect toward them and also the fetus.