What is a key consideration when prescribing antivirals during pregnancy?

When prescribing antivirals during pregnancy, a key consideration is the potential teratogenic effects. Teratogenicity refers to the capability of a substance to cause birth defects or developmental abnormalities in a developing fetus. Many drugs, including certain antiviral medications, have been found to pose risks during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when organogenesis occurs.

Understanding the teratogenic profile of antiviral medications is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Healthcare providers must weigh the benefits of treating a viral infection against the potential risks of causing harm to the developing fetus. This is often determined based on available data from clinical studies, animal research, and registry information that document the outcomes of pregnancies exposed to specific antivirals.

While other factors such as cost, route of administration, and duration of treatment are also important in the overall decision-making process regarding antiviral therapy, they do not directly address the immediate concern of fetal safety and developmental impacts during pregnancy. Hence, awareness and assessment of potential teratogenic effects is paramount in the context of prescribing antivirals for pregnant patients.