P04: Fetus and newborn affected by noxious influences transmitted via placenta or breast milk

P04.0: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal anaesthesia and analgesia in pregnancy, labour and delivery

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. The child is supplied with nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood via the placenta. But medication can also get into the child's circulatory system via the placenta and the mother's blood. Some medications can damage the child's health.

The type of health damage that occurs will depend, for example, on the type of medication. Medications can trigger a premature birth. The child is then born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. After the birth, problems can also occur with the child's breathing, circulation or nervous system. For example, breathing might reduce or stop. The child's heart might beat more slowly or its blood pressure might be lower than usual. The child may also have an unusually low body temperature.