Question

A 28-year-old woman with a history of a psychiatric illness wants to conceive. She is currently using carbamazepine, and would like to know what the risk of the specific pharmacological agent can be on her pregnancy outcome. She is aware of the risks and wishes to continue her medication. Which of the following is a likely abnormality she can expect?

A. Neural tube defects
B. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
C. Ebstein's anomaly
D. Drug withdrawal symptoms
E. Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer 1

Carbamazepine use during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of carbamazepine during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of certain abnormalities. One of the likely abnormalities that can be expected is Neural tube defects are birth defects that occur when the neural tube, which forms the brain, spinal cord, and other neural structures, does not close properly during early development. This can lead to conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

It's important for the woman to discuss this potential risk with her healthcare provider and weigh the benefits and risks of continuing the medication during pregnancy. The healthcare provider may recommend alternative medications or monitoring for any potential complications.