Medication Review Before Conception: What You Need to Know

When you’re thinking about getting pregnant, medication review before conception, a deliberate check of all current and past medications to assess safety during early pregnancy. Also known as preconception pharmacotherapy assessment, it’s not just a formality—it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future child’s health. Many people assume that if they’re not actively trying, what they take doesn’t matter. But the truth is, critical organ development starts in the first few weeks—often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. That’s why stopping or switching certain drugs months in advance isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Some medications you might be taking now could affect fetal development. For example, antithyroid drugs, used to treat autoimmune hyperthyroidism like Graves’ disease need careful timing—PTU is preferred in early pregnancy, but even then, dosage must be monitored. Similarly, SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes carry a hidden risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that can spike during pregnancy. Even over-the-counter drugs like certain antihistamines or pain relievers can interfere with conception or early fetal growth. The FDA pregnancy labeling, a modern system replacing outdated letter categories with clear risk summaries now gives patients and doctors better tools to make informed choices—but only if you use them.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about control. A medication review before conception lets you swap risky drugs for safer ones, adjust doses, or even pause treatment until pregnancy is well underway. It’s why travel clinics now offer pre-pregnancy consultations alongside vaccine advice, and why pharmacists are increasingly asking women: "Are you trying to conceive?" The posts below cover real cases—from how hydroxychloroquine affects fertility to why you should never skip a thyroid check before getting pregnant. You’ll find practical guides on reading new drug labels, avoiding compounding errors in custom meds, and understanding how generics behave differently during pregnancy. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re based on real patient data, clinical guidelines, and the kind of advice you wish your doctor had given you before you got pregnant.