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

P04.1: Fetus and newborn affected by other maternal medication

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. These include anti-cancer medications, for example.

The type of health damage that occurs will depend, for example, on the type of medication. Certain medications can cause the child to develop abnormally in the womb, for example. 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.