Vinita, a 32-year-old woman from Pune, was on the verge of becoming a mother to a healthy baby. However, she failed to inform her gynecologist about her acne treatment, which eventually resulted in the termination of her long-awaited pregnancy.

Battling severe acne, Vinita (name changed) also suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. To treat her condition, her doctor prescribed retinol, a potent but risky medication. Unfortunately, Vinita wasn’t aware that this treatment would drastically change her life.

While taking retinol, Vinita and her husband discovered she was pregnant. Sadly, their happiness was short-lived. A routine sonography revealed severe anomalies in the baby, which doctors attributed to Vinita's use of retinol. This heartbreaking discovery forced the couple to terminate the pregnancy.

Vinita’s case underscores an important lesson: Women must be mindful of the medications they take during pregnancy. Medications fall into five safety categories: A, B, C, D, and X. While Category A and B drugs are generally safe, Category D and X drugs are not recommended during pregnancy. Retinol belongs to the D-X category, making it unsafe for pregnant women.

Senior gynecologist Dr. Sanjay Gupte highlighted the importance of understanding these classifications. “Extensive studies have shown that drugs in categories A and B do not harm the baby or cause birth defects. Expecting mothers and their families must recognize that safe alternatives exist,” he explained.

Vinita’s ordeal could have been prevented if a safer acne treatment had been chosen. Several alternatives are available that would have allowed her to manage her acne without jeopardizing her pregnancy.

“The first eight weeks of pregnancy are crucial because this is when the baby’s organs are forming. Taking harmful medication during this time can have serious consequences. Close monitoring and informed decisions are essential during this period,” Gupte emphasized.

Doctors should be extra careful when prescribing medication to women after ovulation, as they may not yet be aware they are pregnant. “Physicians should always ask if there’s a possibility of pregnancy before prescribing medication. Apart from certain drugs, even significant X-ray exposure can pose risks during pregnancy,” Gupte added.

A growing trend shows that women and families choose to terminate pregnancies if antibiotics are needed for infections. “This fear is unfounded, but it’s becoming more common as people believe antibiotics will harm the fetus. Public education is critical,” noted senior physician Dr. Narendra Javadekar.

Dr. Gupte reiterated, “Category A and B drugs are completely safe, with evidence proving they do not harm the baby. Terminating a pregnancy out of fear of these drugs is unnecessary.”

The message is clear: Always communicate your pregnancy plans to healthcare providers and ensure your gynecologist knows about all medications you’re taking. This simple step can protect both the mother and the baby from potential harm, experts advised.