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Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Family Welfare Department: Message Of The Month
Contraception
is essential for all patients receiving antituberculous chemotherapy.
Exposure of the fetus to some of the commonly used antituberculous drugs
during the first trimester can lead to fetal anomalies. Terminating
such a pregnancy can be more hazardous than in a normal woman, due to
the risk of active disease exacerbation, possibly disturbed liver function
and problems with fitness for anesthesia. Oral combination contraceptives
are best avoided in view of interaction with the antituberculous drugs.
Intrauterine devices are best for parous women, and barrier contraceptives
(condoms) for nulliparous women.