During which conditions should chemotherapy not be administered to females?

Chemotherapy is known to carry significant risks for both the mother and developing fetus, which is why it should not be administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, many chemotherapeutic agents can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal development and leading to congenital disabilities, growth restrictions, or even miscarriage. The timing of chemotherapy during the pregnancy can also affect outcomes; for example, exposure during the first trimester is generally considered to carry higher risks compared to later trimesters, where some regimens might be cautiously considered.

Breastfeeding is another critical consideration. Many chemotherapy drugs are excreted into breast milk, posing a potential risk to the nursing infant. Though some guidelines suggest certain chemotherapy agents can be resumed after a specific amount of time post-administration to minimize exposure, the general consensus leans towards discontinuation during active treatment.

Therefore, the correct choice highlights situations where the administration of chemotherapy poses significant health risks to both the mother and child, underscoring the importance of careful consideration in these scenarios.