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

What is clorazepate?

Clorazepate is a medication that has been used to treat anxiety, seizures, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (such as anxiety and agitation). Clorazepate is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Brand names for clorazepate include Tranxene® and Gen-Xene®.

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 untreated illness during pregnancy.

If you take this medication regularly and then suddenly stop taking it, you could have withdrawal symptoms. It is not known what effects, if any, withdrawal might have on a pregnancy. Your healthcare providers can help with slowly stopping this medication if you plan to stop using clorazepate.

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

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

Does taking clorazepate 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 clorazepate increases the chance for miscarriage.

Does taking clorazepate 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 clorazepate, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done to see if clorazepate increases the chance for birth defects. Experimental animal studies did not report a higher chance of birth defects.

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

Studies have not been done to see if clorazepate 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 clorazepate throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?

Studies have not been done to see if clorazepate might cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Based on other benzodiazepine medications, clorazepate might cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. The baby can be monitored for “floppy infant syndrome” (poor muscle tone), trouble with feeding or breathing, or irritability. Not all babies exposed to clorazepate will have these symptoms. It is important for your healthcare providers to know if you are taking clorazepate so that if symptoms occur, your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

It is not known if clorazepate increases the chance for behavior or learning issues.

Breastfeeding while taking clorazepate:

Clorazepate passes into breastmilk and stays in the body for a long time, which means medication levels can build up in a nursing infant. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (very sleepy and hard to wake to feed, poor feeding, or poor weight gain), contact the child’s healthcare provider.

The product label for clorazepate recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But, the benefit of using clorazepate may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using clorazepate and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk with your healthcare providers about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man takes clorazepate, could it affect fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects in a partner’s pregnancy?

Studies have not been done to see if clorazepate could affect a man’s fertility or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men 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 to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to guselkumab 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 guselkumab? 

Guselkumab is a medication that has been used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults. It is given by injection under the skin and is sold under the brand name Tremfya®. For more information about psoriasis, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at 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 guselkumab. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

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

Does taking guselkumab increase the chance of miscarriage?   

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if guselkumab can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking guselkumab 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. In studies including more than 200 pregnancies exposed to guselkumab, there has not been a reported increase of birth defects. In manufacturer follow-up data on 178 exposed pregnancies, no birth defects were reported.  

Very little guselkumab is expected to cross the placenta and reach the developing pregnancy during the first trimester (when many of the fetal organs and body structures are forming). More of the medication can cross the placenta starting in the second trimester. 

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

Available studies have not found an increased chance of stillbirth or preterm delivery (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) with guselkumab use during pregnancy. Studies have not been done to see if guselkumab can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems such as low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking guselkumab: 

Guselkumab is a large protein, and little of the medication is expected to pass into breast milk. Guselkumab is not well absorbed from the intestines (gut) when swallowed, so any medication that would get into breast milk is unlikely to enter the baby’s bloodstream. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as fever or frequent infections), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

In clinical trial data, 12 pregnancies were reported in partners of men taking guselkumab. No increased chance of birth defects or other pregnancy complications has been reported with paternal use of guselkumab. Studies have not been done to see if guselkumab could affect men’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). 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/.  

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at guselkumab and other medications used to treat psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease in pregnancy. If you are interested in taking part in this study, please call 1-877-311-8972 or or sign up at https://mothertobaby.org/join-study/.

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to mepolizumab 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 is mepolizumab? 

Mepolizumab is a medication used with other medications to treat a severe type of asthma called eosinophilic asthma, and to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome). A brand name of mepolizumab is Nucala®. 

Mepolizumab belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. Drugs in this class are very large proteins, and it is thought that they do not cross the placenta to the fetus very well in the 1st trimester; but likely do cross later in 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. Untreated or poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy increases the chance of complications for both the woman who is pregnant and the baby. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. For more information about asthma, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/asthma-and-pregnancy/.  

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

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

Does taking mepolizumab 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 mepolizumab can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if mepolizumab increases the chance of birth defects. Studies in laboratory animals did not find an increased chance for birth defects. There are 3 published case reports of health pregnancies with mepolizumab use.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if mepolizumab can increase 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). No adverse effects on fetal growth were seen when monkeys were given mepolizumab while pregnant.  

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking mepolizumab: 

Mepolizumab has not been studied for use during breastfeeding. Mepolizumab is a very large protein, so it is thought to be unlikely that much of the medication would get into the breast milk. In addition, this medication is not well absorbed when taken orally, so if a baby swallowed small amounts in the milk, it would be unlikely to be absorbed. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if mepolizumab could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) 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 exposure to meclizine 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 meclizine? 

Meclizine is a medication that has been used to treat nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo (a feeling of whirling and loss of balance). It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. Meclizine is available over the counter and by prescription. Some brand names for meclizine are AntivertÒ, BonineÒ, MeclicotÒ, and DramamineÒ.   

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. MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if taking meclizine can make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking meclizine increase the chance of miscarriage?   

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. When used as directed, meclizine is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage.  

Does taking meclizine 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 meclizine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Most studies do not suggest an increase in birth defects with use of meclizine during the first trimester. This includes a large looking at over 16,000 pregnancies exposed to meclizine in the first trimester.  

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

It is not known if meclizine 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). One large study looking at over 16,000 pregnancies exposed to meclizine in the first trimester found no increased chance of preterm birth, low birth weight, short body length, and small head circumference after exposure to meclizine. 

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

It is not known if meclizine increases the chance for behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while taking meclizine:   

There is no information on meclizine use while breastfeeding. If you suspect that the baby has symptoms (such as drowsiness, irritability, or dry mouth), contact the child’s healthcare provider.  

It is possible, but not proven, that antihistamines might lower the amount of breast milk a person makes. This might be more likely to happen if antihistamines are used together with an oral decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafedâ), or if used before breastfeeding is fully established (when a baby is first born). Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if meclizine 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 exposure to bimekizumab 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 is bimekizumab?*

Bimekizumab is a medication that has been approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The brand name for this medication is Bimzelx®.

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.

MotherToBaby has a sheet on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/psoriasis-and-pregnancy/ and a sheet on ankylosing spondylitis here https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ankylosing-spondylitis/ 

I am taking bimekizumab, but I would like to stop taking it before getting pregnant. How long does the drug stay in my body?

The time it takes the body to metabolize (process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it takes about 4½ months (around 138 days), on average, for most of the bimekizumab to be gone from the body.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if taking bimekizumab can make it harder to get pregnant. There was no effect on fertility in monkeys.

Does taking bimekizumab increase the chance of miscarriage?

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

Does taking bimekizumab 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. Studies have not been done in humans to see if bimekizumab increases the chance of birth defects. A study in monkeys did not report an increased chance for birth defects with exposure to doses up to 38 times the maximum recommended human dose.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if bimekizumab increases the chance of 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). A study in monkeys did not report an increased chance for poor growth with exposure to doses up to 38 times the maximum recommended human dose.

Since bimekizumab might suppress the immune system of the adult taking it, there is a theoretical concern that the same thing could happen to the baby if they are exposed during pregnancy. If someone has a weakened immune system they may be more likely to develop an infection from a live virus vaccine. Live vaccines contain a small amount of live virus. Inactivated vaccines do not contain live virus, so they cannot cause the disease they protect against. In the United States, rotavirus is the only live vaccine routinely given in the first year of life. Most babies can get inactivated vaccines in the first year of life. Talk with your child’s healthcare providers about your exposure to bimekizumab during pregnancy. They can talk with you about the vaccines your child should receive and the best time for your child to receive them.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if bimekizumab can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. A monkey study that followed the animals for 6 months after birth did not report an increased chance for changes in learning or behavior when exposed to doses up to 38 times the maximum recommended human dose during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding while taking bimekizumab:

Bimekizumab has not been studied for use during breastfeeding. Bimekizumab is a large protein molecule. Large protein molecules do not usually enter breast milk in high levels. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if bimekizumab could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) in humans or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. 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/.

*Updated August 2025

Please click here for references.

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at bimekizumab (Bimzelx®) and other medications used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa 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/.