Final answer:
Medications considered safe for use during pregnancy by the FDA are classified as Category A. These drugs have shown no risk to the fetus in controlled studies. It is imperative that pregnant women avoid harmful substances and consult their physicians before taking any medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : a
A medication's safety for pregnant women is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into categories based on the potential for harm to the fetus. Medications within Category A are considered the safest for use during pregnancy, followed by those in Category B, C, and D, with increasing risk factors. Category X is reserved for drugs that have been shown to cause congenital disabilities and should never be used during pregnancy.
Category A drugs are those for which adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy, and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters. As Laura correctly advised her patient, it is crucial for pregnant women, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, to avoid drugs and other teratogens like alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain prescription medications, unless prescribed or approved by their physician.
Prenatal care is an essential aspect of a healthy pregnancy, ensuring both the mother and fetus are monitored for health and development. Doctors often advise women planning to conceive or who are pregnant to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid to prevent birth defects and monitor diet and exercise. The pregnant mother's role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for fetal development, avoiding toxins, and ensuring adequate intake of critical nutrients.