[Pregnancy in a representative Swiss population (study of pregnancy and newborn infants in Aarau). 3. Diseases and drugs in pregnancy].

As part of an overall study, a cohort of 996 Swiss mothers was interviewed upon admission to the labour ward regarding illnesses, disorders and the use of drugs during pregnancy. The data are presented and compared with analogous data on the entire female population of the same age group in Switzerland, and with epidemiologic reviews of pregnancy events from other countries. Somatic illness, particularly the common cold, were reported by 55%, and complaints of a more psychosomatic character by 47%. Illness related to pregnancy was found in more than 40% of the women. Only 16% reported no illnesses or complaints during the course of pregnancy. On the other hand, 33% of the mothers had taken no medication during pregnancy. Compared with studies from other countries the use of medication in this group of women was lower, particularly self-medication for minor complaints. The women reported an average intake of 1.6 drugs. In the offspring of these mothers only a few minor somatic effects were demonstrable. The Brazelton behavioral assessment did, however, reveal some significant correlations.