Fetus reference data

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medication into five categories—A, B, C, D, and X— which reflect the degree of risk to the fetus, based on available animal and human data (Physicians Desk Reference, 1995). Experts believe that this rating system can be misleading because it does not adequately elucidate the differences between risk categories (Teratology Society, 1994). A FDA subcommittee... 

All these measurements, though often based on data from animal research, refer to the exposure and resistance of a healthy adult. These levels do not necessarily apply to pregnant women, their unborn fetuses, or adults who are ill or under special stress. In such situations the individual and his/her supervisor or instructor must carefully consider all pertinent information. H ES can be consulted in such matters. 

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