Preconception health includes avoiding hazardous drugs.

• A. Avoid hazardous drugs
• B. No changes needed
• C. Only avoid if pregnant
• D. Hazardous drugs are recommended

Answer: (A)

When planning pregnancy, addressing medication safety is essential because exposure to certain drugs can harm the developing embryo. Hazardous drugs are often teratogenic or can disrupt fetal development, so preconception health emphasizes avoiding or substituting these medications before conception to reduce the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, or other fetal harm. This is why clinicians review all medications during preconception counseling and may arrange safer alternatives or washout periods so conception can occur after the drug is cleared. Examples commonly considered hazardous include isotretinoin, methotrexate, and certain anticancer or anticoagulant therapies, which require careful planning or avoidance before pregnancy. It wouldn’t be appropriate to proceed with no changes or to recommend continuing hazardous drugs during preconception, since the goal is to minimize fetal exposure and protect both maternal and fetal health.