This sheet is about exposure to oral levonorgestrel for emergency contraception 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 levonorgestrel? 

Levonorgestrel is a medication that has been used to prevent pregnancy (contraception). Levonorgestrel is available in different forms, either by itself or combined with other medications. This fact sheet is about the pill form of levonorgestrel used by itself as a type of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a birth control accident (such as a broken condom or a missed birth control pill). 

Some brand names of emergency contraception pills that contain levonorgestrel are Plan B One-Step®, Econtra EZ®, Preventeza®, AfterPill®, My Way®, Next Choice One Dose®, and Take Action®. These products can be purchased over the counter and do not require a prescription.  

The levonorgestrel emergency contraception pill is often referred to as a “morning-after pill” because it works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (within 12 hours). However, it can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It works by delaying or preventing an egg from being released from the ovaries (ovulation). It is not guaranteed to prevent 100% pregnancies, even if taken right away. The levonorgestrel emergency contraception pill will not work if you are already pregnant.  

I have taken levonorgestrel. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?  

Taking levonorgestrel to prevent a pregnancy does not make it harder to get pregnant in the future. 

There have been reports of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg attaches outside of the uterus, where it cannot survive) after the use of levonorgestrel emergency contraception pills. However, large studies looking at outcomes in women who used levonorgestrel emergency contraception pills have not shown that the medication greatly increases the chance of ectopic pregnancy. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy after taking emergency contraception, such as sharp cramping or pain on one side of your body.  

Does taking levonorgestrel increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Levonorgestrel does not increase the chance of miscarriage. Emergency contraception such as levonorgestrel does not end a pregnancy that has already attached to the wall of the uterus (implanted).  

Does taking levonorgestrel 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 levonorgestrel, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. If a woman takes levonorgestrel and still becomes pregnant, it is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if levonorgestrel can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

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

Studies have not been done to see if levonorgestrel can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while taking levonorgestrel: 

Levonorgestrel gets into breast milk in small amounts. When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. Waiting 3 to 4 hours to breastfeed after taking the dose (or after each dose if a two-dose method is used) will lower the amount of levonorgestrel the child might get in the breast milk. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if levonorgestrel could affect men’s 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. 

This sheet is about exposure to diphenhydramine 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 diphenhydramine?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that has been used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, motion sickness, insomnia, itchy skin, migraine, and tremors related to Parkinson’s disease. Diphenhydramine is found in many prescriptions and over the counter products. Some brand names for diphenhydramine include Benadryl®, Dormin®, Unisom®, Sominex®, and Nytol®. 

Sometimes when people 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. 

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

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

Does taking diphenhydramine increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Results from one study did not show an increased chance of miscarriage with the use of antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, in early pregnancy. 

Does taking diphenhydramine 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 diphenhydramine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. 

A few studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when diphenhydramine is used during the first trimester. However, these studies do not all agree, and no consistent pattern of birth defects has been noted. There are also several studies that reported no increased chance of birth defects with the use of diphenhydramine in early pregnancy.  

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

Occasional use of diphenhydramine at recommended doses is not expected to increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

There are reports of other issues, including uterine contractions and, very rarely, fetal death with the use of diphenhydramine in the third trimester. However, these reports usually involve using more of the medication than is recommended or using it for longer than the recommended time.  

Can I take diphenhydramine with a benzodiazepine?

There is a single human report and animal data that has suggested that the combination of a medication called temazepam (a benzodiazepine) and diphenhydramine might increase the chance of stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth. It has been recommended that these two medications not be used together during pregnancy. People taking temazepam should talk with their healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine during their pregnancy. MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on temazepam here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/temazepam-restoril/.

I need to take diphenhydramine throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause symptoms in my baby after birth? 

The use of diphenhydramine during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. There are a few reports of withdrawal symptoms (tremors and diarrhea) in infants who were exposed to diphenhydramine daily throughout pregnancy. Not all babies exposed to diphenhydramine will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking diphenhydramine so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking diphenhydramine: 

Diphenhydramine passes into breastmilk in small amounts. This medication can cause sleepiness in adults as well as the nursing baby. Two studies reported irritability and changes in sleep patterns in breastfed babies exposed to antihistamines, including diphenhydramine. Short-term or occasional use of diphenhydramine is not expected to increase the chance of side effects. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (irritability, changes in sleep patterns), contact the child’s healthcare provider. If you need to take an antihistamine regularly, talk with your healthcare provider about which medication is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if diphenhydramine could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner 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 for references.

This sheet is about having atopic dermatitis in a pregnancy or 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 atopic dermatitis? 

Atopic dermatitis (also called atopic eczema or eczema) is a medical condition that makes skin red and itchy. Symptoms can include dry and itchy skin, red to brownish-gray patches (especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees), small, raised bumps that might leak fluid and crust over when scratched, thickened, cracked, or scaly skin, and/or raw/sensitive skin from scratching.  

Atopic dermatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe. For most people, atopic dermatitis starts in childhood, but it can also start in adulthood. For some people, atopic dermatitis is a chronic disorder with symptoms that can be ongoing for a period and then symptoms go away but come back on and off (flares).   

I have atopic dermatitis. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

It is not known if atopic dermatitis can make it harder to get pregnant. One study suggests that atopic dermatitis might make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does having atopic dermatitis increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if atopic dermatitis can increase the chance of miscarriage.  

Does having atopic dermatitis 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 atopic dermatitis might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. It is not known if atopic dermatitis can increase the chance of birth defects.  

Does having atopic dermatitis increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

It is not known if atopic dermatitis can increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). There have been reports of atopic dermatitis symptoms becoming worse or flaring during the 2nd or 3rd trimester of their pregnancy. 

One study suggests that having atopic dermatitis can increase the chance of high blood pressure in people who are not pregnant. High blood pressure can increase the risks to a pregnancy. If you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure, talk with your healthcare provider.  

Does having atopic dermatitis in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

Studies have not been done to see if having atopic dermatitis can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. 

Can I take my prescribed medication for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy?

It is important that you talk with your healthcare providers about your medication when planning pregnancy, or as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. Sometimes when people 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. There are a variety of medications that are used to treat atopic dermatitis. Information on specific medications can be found in our fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ or by contacting a MotherToBaby specialist at 866.626.6847. 

Breastfeeding while having atopic dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis does not appear to affect a person’s ability to breastfeed. Talk with your healthcare provider and your baby’s pediatrician about any medications you take for atopic dermatitis while breastfeeding. Information on specific medications can be found in our fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ or by contacting a MotherToBaby specialist at 866.626.6847. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man has atopic dermatitis, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

One study suggests that men with atopic dermatitis could have more trouble with fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) then men without the condition. Studies have not been done to see if atopic dermatitis 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/. 

           MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at eczema (moderate-to-severe)/atopic dermatitis in pregnancy. If you are interested in taking part in this study,                 please call 1-877-311-8972 or sign up at https://mothertobaby.org/join-study/. 

Please click here for references.

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

What is dimethyl fumarate?

Dimethyl fumarate is a prescription medication used to treat a type of multiple sclerosis (MS) with symptoms that flare up from time to time, known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Dimethyl fumarate works by lowering inflammation and preventing the nerve damage that causes symptoms of MS. It is also sometimes used to treat plaque psoriasis. Dimethyl fumarate is sometimes abbreviated as “DMF”. It is sold under the brand name Tecfidera®.

For more information on MS and psoriasis, please see our fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/multiple-sclerosis/ and https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/psoriasis-and-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. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if dimethyl fumarate can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies did not find an effect on female fertility (ability to get pregnant).

Does taking dimethyl fumarate increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A study of 397 pregnancies with exposure to dimethyl fumarate did not find a higher rate of miscarriage than what is expected in the general population.

Does taking dimethyl fumarate 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 dimethyl fumarate, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. In a study of pregnancies with exposure to dimethyl fumarate, there was no increase in birth defects among the 360 infants. In most cases, the medication was stopped early in the pregnancy. Smaller published reports also have not found a higher chance of birth defects following exposure to dimethyl fumarate during the month before conception and in early pregnancy.

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

It is not known if dimethyl fumarate can cause other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). Information about the use of dimethyl fumarate after the first trimester of pregnancy is limited.

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

It is not known if dimethyl fumarate increases the chance for behavior or learning issues for the child. Animal studies did not find differences in learning or behavior of animals exposed to dimethyl fumarate in pregnancy compared to animals that were not exposed.

Breastfeeding while taking dimethyl fumarate:

Dimethyl fumarate gets into breast milk in small amounts. These amounts are not expected to cause side effects for most infants. Waiting 4-5 hours after a dose of dimethyl fumarate before breastfeeding can lower the amount of medication the baby gets in the breast milk. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms such as poor weight gain, flushing, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if dimethyl fumarate could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects in a partner’s pregnancy. Animal studies showed lower sperm motility (how well the sperm can swim) only at very high doses of dimethyl fumarate. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet on paternal exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

MotherToBaby is currently conducting studies looking at multiple sclerosis and psoriasis and the medications used to treat these conditions in pregnancy. If you would like to learn more or participate, please call 1-877-311-8972 or visit https://mothertobaby.org/join-a-study-form/.

Please click here to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to triazolam 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 triazolam?

Triazolam is a medication that has been used to treat insomnia (having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep), and to help lower anxiety about medical procedures. Triazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. A brand name for triazolam is Halcion®.

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 this medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of an untreated condition during pregnancy.

If you plan to stop this medication, your healthcare provider may suggest that you slowly lower the dose instead of stopping all at once. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause some people to have withdrawal symptoms. It is not known what effects, if any, withdrawal could have on a pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done to see if taking triazolam could make it harder to get pregnant.

Does taking triazolam increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if triazolam increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking triazolam increase the chance of having a baby with a birth defect?

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 triazolam, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.

Triazolam has not been well studied for use in pregnancy, so it is not known if triazolam increases the chance for birth defects. Experimental animal studies did not find a higher chance for birth defects with exposure to triazolam. A report looking at women who filled at least 1 triazolam prescription found no link between triazolam and an increased chance for birth defects. Prescription based studies like this cannot tell us if the person who filled the prescription took the medication during their pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done to see if triazolam increases the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

I need to take triazolam throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?

The use of triazolam during pregnancy might cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal and may include poor muscle tone and trouble feeding. Not all babies exposed to triazolam will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking triazolam so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

Studies have not been done to see if triazolam can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking triazolam:

Triazolam has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. There is 1 case of an infant who was exposed to triazolam through breastmilk without reported side effects. Children exposed to benzodiazepines through breastfeeding should be watched for excessive drowsiness (being very sleepy and hard to wake). If you suspect the baby has any symptoms such as not being able to wake them, poor weight gain, low muscle tone (floppiness), or slowed breathing, contact the child’s healthcare provider Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if triazolam could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There is 1 case report of absence of sperm in a man taking triazolam and other medications; sperm counts returned to normal several months after stopping triazolam. A single case report cannot predict how this medication would affect sperm production in all men using the medication. 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.