[Pharmacological principles in pregnancy].

Drug consumption during pregnancy is a widespread practice that may produce adverse effects on the developing fetus. The magnitude of drug disposition is influenced for maternal-fetal unit physiological changes. The maternal-fetal unit represents a unique pharmacological state with multiple compartments, wherein the mother-placenta-extra-amniotic membranes-amniotic fluid and fetus are each represented as a single compartment with different functions and genetics or cellular individual characteristics. It is a problem which should be focused on several perspectives including epidemiological, pharmacological and toxicological aspects. An understanding of these aspects is essential to rational and effective health public policy on prenatal care.