Pregnancy Risk Line Offers New Resources for Expectant Parents

March 20, 2000


The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy is expanding its services to include a Pregnancy Risk Line.

The Risk Line answers questions of concern to pregnant women, including potential problems with prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, chemical exposures, and diseases or infections occurring before or during pregnancy.

"These kinds of exposures can cause tremendous anxiety in a pregnant woman, her partner, or her health care provider," says Dee Quinn, genetic counselor and Pregnancy Risk Line coordinator. "There are a limited number of exposures that can cause problems in a developing baby, we can help sort through that and offer some peace of mind."

Risk Line specialists are available in the Tucson area at 626.3410, or toll-free statewide at 1.888.285.3410, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. At other times Poison Information specialists will be available to answer calls or take messages.

In addition to answering caller_s questions, the Risk Line staff is involved in research studies to collect information about the use of specific medications during pregnancy. Staff members also are available for presentations to health care organizations, schools and community groups.

The Pregnancy Risk Line is part of the Teratogen Program at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. A teratogen is any agent that a pregnant woman can be exposed to that can be harmful to her developing baby.

Funded by the Arizona Legislature, the Risk Line is sponsored by the UA College of Medicine, departments of obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics, the UA College of Pharmacy and the Poison Center. The Riskline is housed in the Poison Center, at the Arizona Health Sciences Center Library.

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