What information must be given to a female patient who is on steroid therapy and who has just learned that she is pregnant?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steroids cross the placenta. Chronic maternal steroid use in the first trimester is known to produce cleft palate in newborns (about 1 percent incidence). The benefit to the mother must outweigh risk to the fetus and newborn. When clearly required, maternal steroid administration should be at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and the infant should be subsequently monitored for adrenal activity.

What Information Must Be Given to a Female Patient Who