Role of pharmacists in optimising medication management during pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy and lactation has a unique effect on decisions relating to medication use. Medication safety can often be a great source of concern for women and healthcare professionals alike, leading to decisions that can negatively impact on outcomes. Compounding this is that evidence regarding the benefits and risks of medication use in pregnancy and lactation can often be lacking, contradictory or difficult to interpret and apply to clinical practice. Pharmacists represent a key source of information on medication use in pregnancy and lactation and as such play an essential role in optimising medication use. Notably, the role of pharmacists extends well beyond that of addressing concerns relating to medication safety, and includes contributing towards therapeutic decision making, providing ongoing medication management, and influencing patterns of medication use. Opportunities for improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies are aplenty and the time has come for pharmacists to stand up to the challenge and play their role.