Examples | Possible Problems |
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Anti-anxiety medications | |
Benzodiazepines Misuse of Antianxiety Medications and Sedatives Antianxiety and sedative medications are prescription drugs used to relieve anxiety and/or help with sleep, but their use can result in dependency and a substance use disorder. Using prescription... read more (such as diazepam, alprazolam, or lorazepam) | When taken late in pregnancy, very slow breathing or a withdrawal syndrome (causing irritability, shaking, and exaggerated reflexes) in the newborn |
Antibiotics | |
Aminoglycosides Aminoglycosides Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as those caused by gram-negative bacteria (especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Aminoglycosides... read more (such as amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin) | Damage to the fetus's ear (ototoxicity), resulting in variable deafness |
In women or fetuses with G6PD deficiency Genetic Makeup and Response to Drugs , the breakdown of red blood cells Possibly gray baby syndrome (a serious and often fatal disorder) | |
Fluoroquinolones Fluoroquinolones Fluoroquinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are used to treat a variety of infections. Fluoroquinolones include the following: Ciprofloxacin Delafloxacin Gemifloxacin read more (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin) | Possibility of bone and joint abnormalities (seen only in animals) |
In women or fetuses with G6PD deficiency, the breakdown of red blood cells | |
In women or fetuses with G6PD deficiency, the breakdown of red blood cells | |
Sulfonamides Sulfonamides Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics that are effective against many gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. Some sulfonamides are applied directly to the skin (topically) to treat... read more (such as sulfasalazine and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole) | When given late in pregnancy, jaundice and, without treatment, brain damage ( kernicterus Complications of jaundice ) in the newborn With sulfasalazine, much less risk of problems In women or fetuses with G6PD deficiency, the breakdown of red blood cells |
Slowed bone growth, permanent yellowing of the teeth, and increased risk of cavities in the child Occasionally, liver failure in the pregnant woman | |
Defects of the brain and spinal cord Overview of Brain and Spinal Cord Birth Defects Birth defects of the brain or spinal cord cause a spectrum of neurologic problems; some may be barely noticeable, others may be fatal. Birth defects of the brain and spinal cord can occur in... read more (neural tube defects), such as spina bifida | |
Factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban | Possible risk of bleeding in the pregnant woman or fetus |
Heparin or enoxaparin | Rarely causes thrombocytopenia Overview of Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia is a low number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurs when the bone marrow makes too few platelets or when... read more (a decrease in the number of platelets, which help blood clot) in the pregnant woman, possibly resulting in excessive bleeding |
Warfarin | Birth defects Overview of Birth Defects including malformed bones, intellectual disability Intellectual Disability Intellectual disability is significantly below average intellectual functioning present from birth or early infancy, causing limitations in the ability to conduct normal activities of daily... read more , congenital cataracts Congenital Cataract A congenital cataract is a painless clouding of the lens that is present at birth or shortly after birth. (See also Cataract in adults.) Congenital cataracts have many causes. They may be inherited... read more , and other problems with the eyes in the fetus Bleeding problems in the fetus and the pregnant woman |
Antidepressants | |
Bupropion | Possible risk of birth defects in first trimester; likely safe in pregnancy |
Citalopram | When taken during the first trimester, increased risk of birth defects (particularly heart defects Overview of Heart Defects About one in 100 babies is born with a heart defect. Some are severe, but many are not. Defects may involve abnormal formation of the heart's walls or valves or of the blood vessels that enter... read more ) When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome (which includes dizziness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, nausea, chills, and muscle aches) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is a serious disorder in which the arteries to the lungs remain narrowed (constricted) after delivery, thus limiting the amount of blood flow... read more (the arteries to the lungs remain narrowed after delivery, limiting blood flow to the lungs and thus the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream) |
Escitalopram | When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
Fluoxetine | When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
Paroxetine | When taken during the first trimester, increased risk of birth defects, particularly heart defects When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
Sertraline | When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
Venlafaxine | When taken during the third trimester, discontinuation syndrome |
Antiemetic medications (used to relieve nausea) | |
Doxylamine and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) | No increased risk of birth defects |
Metoclopramide | When taken during the third trimester and/or delivery, abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) or a blood disorder (methemoglobinemia) may potentially occur in the newborn |
Meclizine | Birth defects seen only in animals |
Ondansetron | No conclusive evidence of birth defects in animals When taken during the first trimester, possible risk of congenital heart disease Overview of Heart Defects About one in 100 babies is born with a heart defect. Some are severe, but many are not. Defects may involve abnormal formation of the heart's walls or valves or of the blood vessels that enter... read more |
Promethazine | No conclusive evidence of birth defects in animals Possible risk of bleeding in the newborn |
Antifungal medications | |
Amphotericin B | No increased risk of birth defects, but no well-designed studies done in pregnant women |
Fluconazole | No increased risk of birth defects after a single low dose When high doses are taken for most or all of the first trimester, increased risk of birth defects, such as abnormalities in the heart, face, skull, ribs, and limbs |
Miconazole | No increased risk of birth defects when applied to the skin When taken by mouth, side effects in animal studies When inserted into the vagina, no increased risk of birth defects |
Terconazole | No increased risk of birth defects When inserted into the vagina, no increased risk of birth defects |
Antihistamines | |
Loratadine | Possibly in male newborns, a birth defect of the urethra in which the opening of the urethra is in the wrong place on the penis ( hypospadias Hypospadias Birth defects of the genitals can involve the penis, scrotum, or testes (testicles) in boys and the vagina and labia in girls. Sometimes the genitals are ambiguous, that is, not clearly female... read more ); likely safe in pregnancy |
Meclizine | Birth defects in rodents but no proof of this effect in humans |
Antihypertensive medications | |
Aldosterone antagonists Aldosterone antagonists Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more (medications that block the action of the hormone aldosterone), such as spironolactone and eplerenone | With spironolactone, possible development of feminine characteristics in male fetuses With eplerenone, no increased risk of birth defects in animals, but no well-designed studies done in pregnant women |
When taken late in pregnancy, possible kidney damage in the fetus, a reduction in the amount of fluid around the developing fetus ( amniotic fluid Problems With Amniotic Fluid Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. The fluid and fetus are contained in membranes called the amniotic sac. Problems with amniotic fluid include Too much amniotic... read more ), and defects of the face, limbs, and lungs | |
Labetalol is the preferred beta-blocker in pregnancy When atenolol, propranolol, and some other beta-blockers are taken during pregnancy, a slowed heart rate, a low blood sugar level, and possibly inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) and preterm birth Preterm (Premature) Newborns A preterm newborn is a baby delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. Depending on when they are born, preterm newborns may have underdeveloped organs that are not be ready to function outside... read more Low blood pressure in the mother | |
Nifedipine and nicardipine are the preferred calcium channel blockers during pregnancy | |
A decrease in the levels of oxygen, sodium, and potassium and in the number of platelets in the fetus's blood Inadequate growth of the fetus | |
Antipsychotic medications | |
Aripiprazole | When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns following delivery |
Haloperidol | Harmful effects in animals When taken during the first trimester, possible birth defects in the limbs When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of the following:
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Lurasidone | No evidence of harmful effects in animals When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of the following:
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Olanzapine | Harmful effects in animals When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of the following:
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Carbamazepine | Increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects Neural Tube Defects and Spina Bifida Neural tube defects are a certain type of birth defect of the brain, spine, and/or spinal cord. Neural tube defects can result in nerve damage, learning disabilities, paralysis, and death. The... read more (such as spina bifida) Bleeding problems in the newborn (hemorrhagic disease of the newborn), which can be prevented if pregnant women take vitamin K by mouth every day for a month before delivery or if the newborn is given an injection of vitamin K soon after birth |
Lamotrigine | No substantial increased risk of birth defects |
Lacosamide | Additional data regarding effects required |
Levetiracetam | Minor bone abnormalities seen in animals No substantial increased risk in people |
Phenobarbital | Increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects Neural Tube Defects and Spina Bifida Neural tube defects are a certain type of birth defect of the brain, spine, and/or spinal cord. Neural tube defects can result in nerve damage, learning disabilities, paralysis, and death. The... read more (such as spina bifida) Bleeding problems in the newborn |
Phenytoin | Increased risk of birth defects (such as cleft lip Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate A cleft is an opening that can form in the lip (cleft lip), roof of the mouth (cleft palate), or both if the tissue does not join together completely during pregnancy. Cleft lip and cleft palate... read more and heart defects Overview of Heart Defects About one in 100 babies is born with a heart defect. Some are severe, but many are not. Defects may involve abnormal formation of the heart's walls or valves or of the blood vessels that enter... read more ) Bleeding problems in the newborn |
Trimethadione | High risk of birth defects (such as cleft palate and defects of the heart, skull, face, hands, and abdomen) Risk of a miscarriage |
Valproate | Increased risk of birth defects, including cleft palate, neural tube defects (such as a meningomyelocele Spina Bifida Neural tube defects are a certain type of birth defect of the brain, spine, and/or spinal cord. Neural tube defects can result in nerve damage, learning disabilities, paralysis, and death. The... read more ), and defects of the heart, face, skull, spine, and limbs |
Chemotherapy drugs | |
Actinomycin | Possibility of birth defects (seen only in animals) |
Busulfan | Birth defects such as underdevelopment of the lower jaw, cleft palate, abnormal development of the skull bones, spinal defects, ear defects, and clubfoot Inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) |
Chlorambucil | Birth defects such as underdevelopment of the lower jaw, cleft palate, abnormal development of the skull bones, spinal defects, ear defects, and clubfoot Inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) |
Colchicine | Possibility of birth defects (seen in animals) Abnormalities in sperm in male children |
Cyclophosphamide | Birth defects such as underdevelopment of the lower jaw, cleft palate, abnormal development of the skull bones, spinal defects, ear defects, and clubfoot Inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) |
Doxorubicin | Heart problems for the mother, depending on the dose taken Birth defects |
Mercaptopurine | Birth defects such as underdevelopment of the lower jaw, cleft palate, abnormal development of the skull bones, spinal defects, ear defects, and clubfoot Inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) |
Methotrexate | Birth defects such as underdevelopment of the lower jaw, cleft palate, abnormal development of the skull bones, spinal defects, ear defects, and clubfoot Inadequate growth of the fetus ( growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns A newborn who weighs less than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (below the 10th percentile) is considered small for gestational age. Newborns may be small because their parents... read more ) |
Vinblastine | Possibility of birth defects (seen only in animals) |
Vincristine | Possibility of birth defects (seen only in animals) |
Mood-stabilizing medication | |
Aripiprazole | When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns following delivery |
When taken during the first trimester, increased risk of birth defects (mainly of the heart) When taken later in pregnancy, lethargy, reduced muscle tone, poor feeding, underactivity of the thyroid gland, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus In nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the kidneys produce a large volume of dilute urine because the kidney tubules fail to respond to vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and are unable to reabsorb... read more in the newborn | |
Risperidone | Harmful effects in animals No evidence of increased risk of birth defects, but no well-designed studies done in pregnant women When taken during the third trimester, increased risk of the following:
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Chlorpropamide Glyburide Metformin Tolbutamide | A very low blood sugar level in the newborn |
Aspirin and other salicylates Ibuprofen Naproxen | When taken in large doses, possibly miscarriage during the first trimester, a delay in the start of labor, premature closing of the connection between the aorta and artery to the lungs (ductus arteriosus), jaundice Jaundice in the Newborn Jaundice is a yellow color to the skin and/or eyes caused by an increase in bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow substance formed when hemoglobin (the part of red blood cells... read more , necrotizing enterocolitis Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Necrotizing enterocolitis is injury to the inner surface of the intestine. This disorder occurs most often in newborns who are premature and/or seriously ill. The abdomen may be swollen, stools... read more (damage to the lining of the intestine), and (occasionally) brain damage in the fetus ( kernicterus Complications of jaundice ) and bleeding problems in a woman during and after delivery and/or in the newborn When taken late in pregnancy, a reduction in the amount of fluid around the developing fetus When low doses of aspirin are taken, no significant risk of birth defects |
Buprenorphine | No evidence of increased risk of birth defects but may have other harmful effects on the fetus or newborn Restlessness, irritability, shaking, difficulty breathing, and feeding problems (symptoms of opioid withdrawal) Withdrawal symptoms Opioids, a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy (including synthetic variations), are pain relievers with a high potential for misuse. Opioids are used to relieve pain, but they also... read more in the newborn because, at birth, passage of the medication from the mother through the placenta stops |
Codeine Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Meperidine Morphine | Restlessness, irritability, shaking, difficulty breathing, and feeding problems (symptoms of opioid withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms Opioids, a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy (including synthetic variations), are pain relievers with a high potential for misuse. Opioids are used to relieve pain, but they also... read more ) in the newborn, possibly occurring 6 hours to 8 days after birth If high doses are given in the hour before delivery, possibly drowsiness and a slowed heart rate in the newborn |
Methadone | Restlessness, irritability, shaking, difficulty breathing, and feeding problems (symptoms of opioid withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms Opioids, a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy (including synthetic variations), are pain relievers with a high potential for misuse. Opioids are used to relieve pain, but they also... read more ) in the newborn |
Sex hormones | |
Danazol | When taken very early in pregnancy, masculinization of a female fetus’s genitals, sometimes requiring surgery for correction |
Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, or rings; contraceptive injections or implants; hormonal intrauterine devices [IUDs]) | Exposure to estrogen-progestin contraceptives prior to conception or during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of major birth defects Exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate does not appear to increase risk of major birth defects |
17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate | Safe in second or third trimester of pregnancy |
Progesterone (oral or vaginal) | Exposure during pregnancy not associated with increased risk of major birth defects |
Skin treatment | |
Isotretinoin | Birth defects, such as heart defects, small ears, and hydrocephalus (sometimes called water on the brain) Intellectual disability Risk of miscarriage |
Thyroid medications | |
Levothyroxine | Preferred treatment of hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland that leads to inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of vital body functions. Facial expressions become dull, the voice... read more during pregnancy; safe in pregnancy |
Methimazole | An enlarged or underactive thyroid gland in the fetus Facial and scalp defects in the newborn Other potential abnormalities |
Propylthiouracil | An enlarged or underactive thyroid gland in the fetus Liver damage in the mother |
Radioactive iodine | Destruction of the thyroid gland in the fetus When given near the end of the first trimester, a very overactive and enlarged thyroid gland in the fetus |
Triiodothyronine | An overactive and enlarged thyroid gland in the fetus |
Vaccines | |
No known safety concerns for pregnant people or for their fetuses or newborns | |
No safety concerns for pregnant people or for fetuses or newborns | |
Tetanus, reduced diphtheria toxoid, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine The tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine protects against toxins produced by the tetanus and diphtheria bacteria, not against the bacteria themselves. There is also a combination vaccine that adds... read more | No safety concerns for pregnant people or for fetuses or newborns |
Live-virus vaccines such as those for measles, mumps, and rubella Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a combination vaccine that helps protect against these three serious viral infections. The vaccine contains live but weakened measles, mumps... read more ; chickenpox (varicella) Varicella Vaccine The varicella vaccine helps protect against chickenpox (varicella), a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash that looks like small blisters with... read more ; polio Polio Vaccine The polio vaccine protects against polio, a very contagious viral infection that affects the spinal cord and brain. Polio can cause permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, and sometimes death... read more ; and yellow fever Prevention | With rubella and varicella vaccines, potential infection of the placenta and developing fetus With other live vaccines, potential but unknown risks |
Other medications | |
Corticosteroids | |
Hydroxychloroquine | No increased risks at the doses usually used |
Isoniazid | Possible harmful effects on the liver or damage to the peripheral nerves (causing abnormal sensations and/or weakness) |
Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) | Narrowing of the blood vessels in the placenta, possibly reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients the fetus receives and thus resulting in inadequate growth before birth Possible risk of a defect in the wall of the abdomen that allows the intestines to protrude outside the body (called gastroschisis Gastroschisis In abdominal wall defects, the muscles surrounding the abdominal cavity are weak or develop holes, allowing the intestines to spill out. The two main abdominal wall defects are omphalocele and... read more ) |
Vitamin K | In women or fetuses with G6PD deficiency Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited genetic disorder that can result in destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) after an acute illness or use of certain drugs... read more , destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) |
* Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnancy should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of medications before stopping or starting any medication. Unless medically necessary, medications should not be used during pregnancy. However, some medications are essential to maintain the health of the pregnant woman or the fetus, and women should not stop taking these before consulting their doctor. | |
† Opioids are used to relieve pain. However, they also cause an exaggerated sense of well-being, and if used too much, they can cause dependence and addiction. | |
‡ Insulin is usually preferred during pregnancy. | |
G6PD = glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. |