March 18, 2026

Medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding – Position Statement from the British Pharmacological Society

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have historically been excluded from most clinical research. Despite this, 80% of women in the UK take at least one medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. Making decisions around medication use during this time is often a source of anxiety and uncertainty, both in those who chose to take a medicine as well as those who decide to come off medicines that have previously been keeping them well.

The British Pharmacological Society now has a position statement on how the UK research system can, and should, make medications safer and more effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Come to the SMC to hear:

• How is the current status quo causing harm to pregnant women and their babies?
• Which drugs are most frequently taken during pregnancy and for what conditions? What does advice currently say on their use?
• How do we get pregnant and breastfeeding women involved in clinical trials and how are risks mitigated?
• How can benefits and risks of medications be best communicated to pregnant women?
• How can the UK be world leaders in improving the evidence base on medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Speakers will include:

Prof Catriona Waitt, NIHR Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Global Health, University of Liverpool

Dr Emma Magavern, Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology and an MRC Clinician Scientist, Queen Mary University of London

Dr Anita Banerjee, Honorary Reader in Obstetric Medicine, King’s College London