This sheet is about having herpes zoster (shingles) in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is herpes zoster (shingles)? 

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral disease caused by the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox), called varicella-zoster virus.  

Chickenpox happens when a person is first exposed to the varicella-zoster virus. For more information on varicella (chickenpox), please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/varicella/.  

After someone has recovered from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can stay inactive in the body. If the inactive virus later becomes active again, it causes shingles. Shingles usually presents as a painful rash on 1 side of the face or body. People can also have fever, headache, chills, upset stomach, and nerve pain. Rarely, hearing or vision problems can develop if the shingles outbreak affects the nerves on the face.  

The shingles rash is contagious and people who have not had chickenpox before or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox, can get infected after direct contact with the shingles blisters. If a person who has never had chickenpox becomes infected, they will develop chickenpox, not shingles. The risk of spreading the virus is low if the rash remains covered. A person is no longer contagious once the shingles rash has scabbed over, which usually takes about 7-10 days.  

Can shingles be treated? 

If you are pregnant and develop shingles, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment. Shingles can usually be treated with antiviral medication during pregnancy. Antivirals are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the rash appears.  

I have shingles. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant? 

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

Does having shingles 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 having shingles can increase the chance of miscarriage.  

Does having shingles 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 shingles might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. There are not a lot of studies that look at how shingles might affect a pregnancy. However, shingles has not been seen to increase the chance of birth defects.  

Does having shingles increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems? 

Studies have not been done to see if having shingles in pregnancy could cause other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth). Studies of perinatal maternal herpes zoster infection suggest no intrauterine transmission to the fetus.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if having shingles in pregnancy could cause long-term problems in the child.  

Breastfeeding while I have shingles:

The virus that causes shingles has not been found in breast milk. However, it is important to keep the baby from coming into direct contact with the rash or blisters to lower the chances of spreading the virus, which could cause the baby to develop chickenpox. If lesions are present on the areola, the milk should be pumped and discarded until the rash has scabbed over. If you suspect your baby has any symptoms of chickenpox, contact the child’s healthcare provider.  

If you are taking antivirals to treat shingles while breastfeeding, please contact MotherToBaby to learn more about your medications while breastfeeding. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if shingles could affect a man’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 the risk to a pregnancy. However, if a person is not immune to chickenpox and their intimate partner has shingles, there is a risk that the woman who is pregnant could become infected with chickenpox from direct contact with the shingles rash. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/. 

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This sheet is about exposure to pheniramine 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 pheniramine?

Pheniramine is an antihistamine that has been approved to treat allergy symptoms such as stuffy nose and swollen eyes. It has also been used to treat dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and motion sickness. Pheniramine might be listed as pheniramine maleate on medication labels. Pheniramine can be found in over-the-counter multi-symptom medications.

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 pheniramine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

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

Does taking pheniramine 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 pheniramine increases the chance of a miscarriage.

Does taking pheniramine increase the chance of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Information on the use of pheniramine in human pregnancy is very limited. Data from a birth registry suggested a link between use of pheniramine from one month before pregnancy through the 1st trimester and cleft lip/palate (an opening in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth), spina bifida (opening in the spine), and choanal atresia (narrowing or blockage of the nasal passageway that can cause trouble breathing). However, this data looked at and reported on several medications as a group, and not just pheniramine alone. Because the data is so limited, it is not known if pheniramine increases the chance of birth defects above the background risk.

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

It is not known if pheniramine 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).

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

Studies have not been done to see if pheniramine causes behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking pheniramine:

Pheniramine has not been studied for use during breastfeeding. Pheniramine can cause sleepiness in adults, and it is possible that in higher doses, it may do the same for a nursing baby. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (being more sleepy than usual, trouble feeding, trouble breathing, or limpness) contact the child’s healthcare provider. If you need to take an antihistamine regularly while breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider about which one would be best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if pheniramine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) 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/.

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This sheet is about exposure to copolymer 1 in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is copolymer 1?

Copolymer 1 (also known as Cop-1, glatiramer acetate, or glatiramer) is a disease modifying therapy (DMT) that has been used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The brand name is Copaxone®. For more information about multiple sclerosis, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/multiple-sclerosis/.  

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 this 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 copolymer 1. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if copolymer 1 can make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking copolymer 1 increase the chance for miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Available information does not suggest that copolymer 1 increases the chance for miscarriage. 

Does taking copolymer 1 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  

Copolymer 1, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. 

Information from several studies (including 1 study looking at over 5,000 pregnancies exposed to copolymer 1) does not suggest an increased chance of birth defects above the background risk. Other studies have suggested possible increased chances of certain birth defects (heart defects, gastrointestinal tract defects, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and limb abnormalities). However, these studies did not identify a specific pattern of birth defects. It is not known if these findings are due to the medication or other factors.  

Does taking copolymer 1 in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Copolymer 1 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).  

Does taking copolymer 1 in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

One study did not find differences in learning or motor development between children exposed during pregnancy to certain DMT medications (including copolymer 1) and those who were not exposed to these medications. 

Breastfeeding while taking copolymer 1: 

Copolymer 1 passes into breastmilk in small amounts. There are reports of children exposed to copolymer 1 through breast milk without side effects. One study followed 34 infants whose mothers took copolymer 1 during breastfeeding.  These babies were followed for the first 12 months of life.  No increase in adverse outcomes such as poor growth, delays in motor or language development or hospitalization were noted. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man takes copolymer 1, could it affect fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if copolymer 1 could affect male fertility. Available studies found no significant or clear evidence of an increased chance of low birthweight, miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy problems when a man takes copolymer 1 around the time of conception. 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/.  

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

What is estazolam?

Estazolam is a medication that has been used to treat insomnia (having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep). Estazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. A brand name for estazolam is Prosom®.

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 estazolam. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

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

Does taking estazolam 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 estazolam can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking estazolam 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 estazolam, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done to see if estazolam can increase the chance of birth defects.

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

Studies have not been done to see if estazolam 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).

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

The use of estazolam during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms may include low muscle tone, trouble feeding, being too sleepy, trouble breathing, irritability, restlessness, tremors, and excessive crying. Not all babies exposed to estazolam will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking estazolam so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking estazolam:

Estazolam has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (being too sleepy, poor feeding, and/or poor weight gain), contact the child’s healthcare provider. The product label for estazolam recommends that breastfeeding women not use this medication. However, the benefit of using estazolam may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using estazolam and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if estazolam could affect male 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 for references.

This sheet is about exposure to fluphenazine 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 fluphenazine?

Fluphenazine is a medication that has been used to treat schizophrenia. It can be given orally (by mouth) or by injection (a shot). Some brand names for fluphenazine are Prolixin® and Permitil®.

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 fluphenazine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

In some people, fluphenazine might raise the levels of a hormone called prolactin. High levels of prolactin can stop ovulation (part of the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg). This could make it harder to get pregnant. Your healthcare provider can test your levels of prolactin if there is concern.

Does taking fluphenazine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One study did not find an increased chance of miscarriage in 244 pregnancies exposed to fluphenazine in first trimester of pregnancy.

Does taking fluphenazine 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. It is not known if fluphenazine can increase the chance of birth defects. Animal studies have raised some concern about a higher chance for birth defects. However, animal studies cannot always predict if or how a medication would affect a human pregnancy. One study in humans included 244 women exposed to fluphenazine; no increased chance of birth defects was reported.

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

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

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

The use of fluphenazine during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms can include unusual muscle movements, stiff or floppy muscle tone, being sleepier than expected, agitation, tremors, trouble breathing, and problems with feeding. Not all babies exposed to fluphenazine will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking fluphenazine so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking fluphenazine:

There is no published information on the use of fluphenazine in breastfeeding. Use of other medications like fluphenazine have not shown negative effects on infant development. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (sleepiness or developmental problems), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done in men to see if fluphenazine could increase the chance of birth defects. Using fluphenazine may raise a person’s levels of the hormone prolactin, which might affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). Animal studies have noted some changes in sperm shape and reduced number of offspring with exposure to fluphenazine. However, it is not clear if fluphenazine would cause similar changes in humans. 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/.

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