This sheet is about exposure to etodolac in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is etodolac?  

Etodolac is a medication that has been used to treat pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to the class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A brand name for etodolac is Lodine®.  

MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on rheumatoid arthritis here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/rheumatoid-arthritis/.  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not using NSAIDs after week 20 of pregnancy, unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider. 

I take etodolac. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?  

Some studies suggest that using etodolac or other NSAIDs might make it harder to get pregnant. This might be more likely when NSAIDs are used often or over a long period of time. 

Does taking etodolac increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if etodolac can increase the chance of miscarriage. A few studies have reported a higher chance of miscarriage when other NSAIDs (not etodolac) were used in pregnancy. However, the reasons why women in the studies were taking NSAIDs (such as medical conditions, infections, or pain from miscarriages that were already happening) might have contributed to the higher chance of miscarriage. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if a medication, the medical condition being treated, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage. 

Does taking etodolac increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like etodolac, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

A study of over 5,000 pregnancies did not report an increased chance of birth defects when any NSAID (including etodolac) was used during the first trimester of pregnancy.   

Does taking etodolac in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Etodolac is generally not recommended for use after week 20 of pregnancy. Etodolac should only be used under a healthcare provider’s supervision, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Your healthcare providers can closely watch your pregnancy if you need to use etodolac after week 20.  

Some reports suggest that using NSAIDs (like etodolac) after 20 weeks of pregnancy may affect the fetal kidneys and lower the amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid around the fetus in the womb). Having too little amniotic fluid (called oligohydramnios) can lead to poor lung development and stiff joints in the fetus, or the need for early delivery. In rare cases, it can cause stillbirth. 

One study suggested that the use of some NSAIDs in the 1st half of pregnancy (first 20 weeks) might also affect the fetal kidneys and amount of amniotic fluid. The researchers did not report which NSAIDs were included in their study.  

Using etodolac during the 3rd trimester (28 to 40 weeks of pregnancy) might cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. This means that a blood vessel in the fetal heart closes too early. This blood vessel normally stays open to help carry oxygen to the body while the fetus is still in the womb, and it closes at birth when the baby starts to breathe. If the vessel closes too soon (before birth), it can cause high blood pressure in the fetal lungs (called pulmonary hypertension).  

Some studies looking at NSAID medications as a group suggest that using NSAIDs can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, including preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth. Other studies have not reported these findings. Some of the conditions that NSAIDs are used to treat can also increase the chances of these problems. That makes it hard to know if the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors are increasing the chance of these outcomes.  

Does taking etodolac in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

It is not known if etodolac can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. 

What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues? 

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used screen for some pregnancy-related problems, such as oligohydramnios and problems with the fetal kidneys. Fetal echocardiogram (a test to look at blood flow in the heart) can be used to identify premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Ultrasound can also be used to monitor the growth of the pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell how much effect there could be on future behavior or learning. 

Breastfeeding while taking etodolac: 

There is no information on the use of etodolac during breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man takes etodolac, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

It is not known if etodolac could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant). Studies have not been done to see if etodolac could increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.   

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to statins in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. 

What are statins? 

Statins are a class of medications that have been used to treat high cholesterol levels. Statins work by stopping your liver from making cholesterol and helping your liver remove low density lipid (LDL) cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol) from your blood.  

Some medications in this class are atorvastatin (Lipitor®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®), pitavastatin (Livalo®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), rosuvastatin (Crestor®), and simvastatin (Zocor®).  

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

The product label on statin medication might recommend against using it during a pregnancy. However, for some women, the benefits of staying on a statin during some or all their pregnancy may outweigh any risks of the medication to the fetus. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about your statin, your health, and what treatment is best for you. 

I take a statin. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

It is not known if taking statins could make it harder to get pregnant. Some medications in this class have information on fertility, while others do not. For example, one study looking at pravastatin use in women did not report fertility issues, while studies on lovastatin and hormone production or reproductive health in women have not been done. To find out if the medication you are taking has been studied, contact a MotherToBaby specialist. 

Does taking a statin increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Most studies have not found a higher chance of miscarriage in women taking statins during pregnancy. However, not all statins have been studied. To learn if the medication you are taking has been studied, contact MotherToBaby.  

Does taking a statin increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like statins, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

Most studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects when statins are used in the first trimester of pregnancy. To find out if the medication you are taking has been studied, contact a MotherToBaby specialist. 

Does taking a statin in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) have been reported in some studies on the use of statins in pregnancy, but not others.  

Some studies have suggested that statin use in pregnancy might increase the chance of low birth weight and preterm delivery. For example, one study of 469 pregnancies showed a higher risk of both, while another with over 1,000 pregnancies found an increased risk of low birth weight. However, other research has not shown a link to preterm birth, and certain statins have even been studied for preventing it. Also, hypercholesterolemia itself during pregnancy has been associated with preterm labor. 

For women with certain health conditions, taking a statin during pregnancy may help prevent pregnancy complications that could result from leaving their health condition untreated. 

Does taking a statin in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

One large study looked at over 2,400 pregnancies exposed to statins during the first trimester. The children were followed for up to 9 years, and the study found no increased chance of mental or behavioral disorders.  

Breastfeeding while taking a statin: 

There are recommendations to avoid the use of statins during breastfeeding, mostly due to a lack of information on possible side effects in the nursing child. Others recommend that the decision whether to breastfeed while using statins should be after a discussion between the patient and their healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider or contact a MotherToBaby specialist about your specific medication. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man takes a statin, could it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Some studies have suggested that the use of statins might affect male fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant). However, it is unclear whether the use of the statins or other factors such as age, time and type of treatment, or any underlying medical issues may have also affected fertility. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.  

This sheet is about exposure to ginger in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is ginger?

Ginger (Zingibar officinale) is a plant that is widely used in foods and beverages. The root (rhizome) is the part of the plant that is eaten or taken. Eating ginger in moderation as part of a balanced diet is not known to cause any problems related to pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

Ginger is also used as an herbal remedy to treat different conditions, such as morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach, or vomiting. It is available as a supplement sold over the counter, and can come in the form of pills, capsules, syrups, or included in lozenges or tea.  

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. It is generally not suggested to use herbal products/supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by your healthcare provider to treat a condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements in a different way than prescription or over-the-counter drugs. For more details on supplements, please see the fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/.  

I take ginger. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if taking ginger can make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking ginger increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Ginger has not been found to increase the chance of miscarriage in humans. 

Does taking ginger increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like ginger, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Several studies looking at the use of an average of 1000 mg of ginger per day during pregnancy did not find an increased chance of birth defects.   

Does taking ginger in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Information from one study on the use of ginger in the second trimester of pregnancy has not found an increased chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Other studies have not seen an increase in preterm delivery, low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), or stillbirth.  

Ginger can interact with some medications and might affect the way certain medications work, such as medications that treat blood pressure or affect how your blood clots. At high doses, ginger can lower blood sugar. Taking ginger supplements with certain medications might be a concern at any time in pregnancy. If you take a medication and would like to take a ginger supplement, it is important to talk it over with your healthcare provider. 

Does taking ginger in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

Ginger is not expected to increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while eating ginger or taking a ginger supplement:

When used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, there is no known reason to avoid cooking with and eating ginger in its natural form during breastfeeding. There is not enough information on the use of ginger as a supplement in breastfeeding to know if it can increase risks to a breastfeeding child. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

If a man takes ginger, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if ginger could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to topical corticosteroids in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.  

What are topical corticosteroids?  

Corticosteroids are medications that work to lower inflammation. Topical corticosteroids are medications that are put directly on the skin, rather than taking them orally (by mouth). Topical corticosteroids have been used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other rashes. They might be in the form of lotion, cream, ointment, or gel, foam, oils, or shampoos. There are many different corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids include over the counter products such as hydrocortisone and stronger prescription medications such as clobetasol, betamethasone, and triamcinolone.  

This sheet is reviewing general information on topical corticosteroids. It is possible that your specific medication has more or different information available for it. For questions about a specific topical corticosteroid, talk with your healthcare provider or contact a MotherToBaby specialist.  

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

Does the strength, frequency, or amount of topical corticosteroid used matter? 

The strength of a topical corticosteroid refers to the amount of active ingredient(s) in the product. The frequency is the amount of times that it is applied, such as once a day or multiple times per day. The amount refers to the size of medication needed to treat the affected area. These factors matter because they can help providers understand how much medication may be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. 

Topical corticosteroids are often a first-line treatment during pregnancy for skin conditions. This is because the amount of medication that can reach the developing pregnancy by absorption through the skin is typically much lower than with medications taken by mouth. This is especially true when the topical corticosteroid is used on small areas of the body, used infrequently, or used on non-broken skin (without cracks or cuts). 

Certain parts of the body can absorb medication more easily than other areas. For example, the skin on the face and groin are thinner, and more medication can potentially be absorbed when those areas are treated, compared with other parts of the body. More medication can also be absorbed through broken skin or if applied under a bandage or dressing. The stronger the topical corticosteroid, the more likely a higher amount of the medication will be absorbed into the blood. It is usually suggested to use the lowest effective strength for the shortest time needed to treat your condition. 

I use topical corticosteroids. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

It is not known if using topical corticosteroids can make it harder to get pregnant.  

Does using topical corticosteroids increase the chance of miscarriage?   

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Use of topical corticosteroids is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does using topical corticosteroids increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like topical corticosteroids, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. 

Studies looking at topical corticosteroid exposure have not found an increased chance of birth defects. In many cases, only a small amount of the corticosteroid is expected to be absorbed from topical exposure, with little medication getting into the blood and reaching the developing pregnancy. 

Does using topical corticosteroids in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Not all topical corticosteroids have been well studied for use in pregnancy. When used as directed, topical corticosteroids are not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy complications. The use of very strong corticosteroids over large areas of the body for a long time might be associated with lower birth weight.  

Does using topical corticosteroids in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

It is not known if using topical corticosteroids can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues. However, because very little medication is expected to be absorbed through the skin and reach the developing pregnancy, a risk is unlikely.  

Breastfeeding while using topical corticosteroids:  

Not all topical corticosteroids have been well studied for use in breastfeeding. In most cases, typical use of topical corticosteroids would not be expected to pose a risk to a breastfed baby, as the amount that gets through the skin and enters the milk is expected to be small. In cases where very strong corticosteroids are applied to large areas of the body or used for a long period of time, more medication could enter the milk. Topical corticosteroids applied to the breast or nipple area should be wiped off before breastfeeding or coming into contact with your baby’s skin and mouth. Wash your hands well after applying the medication. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

If a man uses topical corticosteroids, could it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

It is not known if topical corticosteroids could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/. 

Please click here for references. 

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at medications used to treat eczema or psoriasis in pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please call 1-877-311-8972 or visit https://mothertobaby.org/join-study/. 

This sheet is about exposure to dextroamphetamine-amphetamine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is dextroamphetamine-amphetamine? 

Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall®) is a prescription medication combining mixed amphetamine salts. It has been used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a condition causing extreme daytime sleepiness).  

Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine is different from methamphetamine. Please see our fact sheets on methamphetamine here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/methamphetamine/ and dextroamphetamine here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/dextroamphetamine-pregnancy/.    

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication.  

Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal. It is not known if or how withdrawal may affect a pregnancy. If you are going to stop using this medication, your healthcare providers may talk with you about slowly reducing your dose over time. Your healthcare providers can also talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.  

I take dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?  

Taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine as prescribed by your healthcare provider does not make it harder to get pregnant.  

Does taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies that looked at pregnancies exposed to prescribed amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, have not shown a consistent increase in the chance of miscarriage. Some studies report a small increase in the chance of miscarriage, while others find no clear difference after considering maternal ADHD and other factors. 

Does taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies looking at women who take dextroamphetamine-amphetamine as prescribed have not shown an increased chance of birth defects. 

Does taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Some studies suggest that taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine during pregnancy may increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems, such as poor growth (babies born small and/or with a small head size), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2,500 grams] at birth), or preterm delivery (birth before week 37). One study found a higher chance of preterm delivery, and two others did not.  

Some studies have found a higher chance of high blood pressure and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys) in pregnant women taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. It is important to remember that some conditions treated with amphetamines, such as ADHD, may themselves increase the chance of preterm delivery or high blood pressure conditions in pregnancy. 

Using amphetamine medications at higher doses or more often than prescribed, or using them without a prescription, can increase the chance for poor growth (babies born small and/or with small head size), low birth weight, and preterm delivery. These studies, however, often included pregnancies that might have other risk factors that can also increase the chance of these pregnancy-related problems. 

I need to take dextroamphetamine-amphetamine during my pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth? 

Withdrawal has not been reported in the newborns of women who take dextroamphetamine-amphetamine as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Using amphetamine medications at higher doses or more often than prescribed, or using them without a prescription, can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. They can include jitteriness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing at the time of birth. 

Does taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

A study looking at over 7000 pregnancies in which the mother was prescribed dextroamphetamine-amphetamine in the second half of pregnancy showed no increased chance of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD. Another study looking at over 300 pregnancies prescribed amphetamines as a group showed no increased chance for neurodevelopmental conditions compared to those who stopped their medication before getting pregnant. Prescription-based studies cannot tell us if the women who filled the prescription took the medication during their pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding while taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine: 

There are no studies on the combination of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine in breastfeeding. A small study of 4 infants who were breastfed by mothers taking dextroamphetamine for ADHD found no problems in the infant’s health and growth up to 6 to 10 months of age. Another study that included 13 infants breastfeed by mothers taking amphetamine medication found no problems with neurodevelopment at the average age of 18 months. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms such as trouble eating, trouble sleeping, extra sleepiness or irritability, contact the child’s healthcare provider. 

The product label for dextroamphetamine-amphetamine recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But the benefit of using dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and breastfeeding might outweigh possible risks. The product labels also suggests that large doses of dextroamphetamine could lower milk supply in women who are newly breastfeeding. However, there are no clear reports showing that this happens in patients. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man takes dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

One study suggested that taking amphetamine medication may lower the amount of sperm made, which would impact a man’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). Studies have not been done to see if dextroamphetamine-amphetamine specifically could increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/. 

Please click here for references.