Knowledge, Attitude, and Beliefs of Medication Use in Pregnancy in an Urban Tertiary Care Center

Medication use in pregnancy is common. However, there is a gap in the literature assessing the knowledge of pregnant individuals about medication use in pregnancy. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of pregnant people on medication use in pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey questionnaire that was completed by pregnant patients from December 2021 to January 2022. The survey included questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and sources for obtaining information about medication use in pregnancy and general statements from the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ). A total of 150 participants completed the survey. Most patients reported that a person should know that medication use for chronic diseases must be modified during pregnancy and that medications can be used in any trimester of pregnancy. Most reported that medication use can lead to fetal growth restriction and maternal bleeding. The mean scores (SDs) on the BMQ-General for the overuse, harm, and benefit statements were 8.7 (2.4), 8.2 (3.1), and 15.7 (2.8). Even though medication use in pregnancy is common, it is an area of concern to pregnant patients. More research on identifying the risks of different medicines used in pregnancy is thus needed.