More than 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs, both in developed and developing countries. However, intake of traditional medicines during pregnancy are reported more from the developing world. Intake of indigenous medicines during pregnancy is a common practice in many parts of the world, for varies reasons. These are consumed during the first trimester which is a critical time for fetal growth and development, that may have adverse health impact. We came across such a practice that was for the purpose of having a son. Realizing the potential harms that this practice can have, we conducted two large scale population-based research studies (case control studies) across Haryana (India) with an objective to highlight the adverse effects of intake of indigenous medicines during pregnancy for a male child. The prevalence of intake of (Sex Selection Drugs) SSDs varied from 7.3% to 10% among live born babies without apparent birth defects. However, among babies born with defects, the use rate was as high as 25% while among stillbirths, it was around 16%. These studies have shown that a pregnant woman consuming such drugs was at 3 times more risk of giving birth to a baby with visible birth defects like cleft lip/ palate, spina bifida, and club foot as compared to those who reportedly did not consume such drugs. The risk was found to be higher (around 3.5 times) among couples who already had a daughter. Another study to ascertain the association of the use of SSDs with stillbirths showed that the risk of stillbirths increased by more than 2.5 times with an exposure to SSDs during pregnancy. The study also revealed that out of every 5 women who get exposed to SSD, one would have stillbirth. An analysis of the drugs was carried out to detect the presence of phytoestrogens and testosterone. The total quantity to be consumed represents a ten-fold increase over that recommended for dietary intake. Toxicology studies on C elegans and rats indicated confirmed the findings from observational studies.
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