This sheet is about exposure to isotretinoin 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 isotretinoin? 

Isotretinoin is a prescription medication taken by mouth (orally) that has been used to treat severe cystic acne when other treatments have not worked. Isotretinoin is a type of retinoid made from vitamin A. Brand names include Accutane®, Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Epuris®, Clarus®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane®. 

The product label for isotretinoin recommends not using this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are taking isotretinoin and find out you are pregnant, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are taking isotretinoin and want to get pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider.  

Can I get a prescription for isotretinoin?  

Isotretinoin can be prescribed under a special program called iPLEDGE® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). All requirements of the program must be followed to get prescriptions for isotretinoin. Some requirements are: 

• Must talk with your healthcare provider about isotretinoin and the iPLEDGE® REMS program. 
• Must be able to understand that severe birth defects can happen with use of isotretinoin.  
• Must receive and be able to understand safety information about isotretinoin and the iPLEDGE® REMS program.  
• Must be enrolled by your healthcare provider in the iPLEDGE® REMS program for 30 days before your first prescription. 
• Must read, understand, and sign a consent form that contains warnings about the risks of using isotretinoin. 
• Must correctly answer comprehensive questions on the iPLEDGE® REMS program website.  
• Must not be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
• Must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting isotretinoin. 
• Must have a pregnancy test every month during treatment. 
• Must have a negative pregnancy test before each monthly prescription. 
• Must always use 2 different forms of birth control starting 1 month before treatment. Continue using 2 forms during treatment, and for 1 month after treatment.  
• Must agree to see your healthcare provider every month during treatment for a health check and to get a new prescription.  
• Must not share medication with anyone. 
• Must not donate blood during treatment and for 1 month after treatment. 
• For more information about the iPLEDGE program call 1-866-495-0654 or visit the iPLEDGE website at https://www.ipledgeprogram.com.   

Even if you are not sexually active or planning a pregnancy, if you use or want to use isotretinoin, it is recommended to talk to your healthcare provider. Using effective birth control methods is important because about 50% (1 out of 2) of pregnancies are unplanned.  

I am taking isotretinoin, 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 up to 6 days, on average, for most of the isotretinoin to be gone from the body.  

It is recommended to wait one month after stopping isotretinoin before trying to get pregnant. 

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

Some women taking isotretinoin have reported changes in their menstrual cycle (periods), but there are no reports that it makes it harder to get pregnant. However, it is not recommended to get pregnant while using isotretinoin. 

I just found out I am pregnant. Should I stop taking isotretinoin? 

Yes, it is recommended that you stop taking isotretinoin right away if you find out you are pregnant. As soon as possible, call the healthcare provider who prescribed the isotretinoin and the healthcare provider who will be taking care of you during pregnancy. Isotretinoin increases the chance of birth defects. 

Does taking isotretinoin increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Taking isotretinoin can increase the chance of miscarriage. The chance of having a miscarriage can be as high as 40% when isotretinoin is used in early pregnancy.  

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

Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in 35% or more of infants who are exposed during pregnancy. There is an increased chance of birth defects even if the medication has been taken for a short time. Most of the infants with birth defects will have small or absent ears and hearing and eyesight problems. Other issues that have been reported include heart defects, fluid around the brain, small jaw, small head, cleft palate (opening in the roof of the mouth), and/or missing thymus gland (a gland that makes hormones). Not every pregnancy exposed to isotretinoin will have birth defects. However, it is recommended to avoid any isotretinoin use in pregnancy. 

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

The use of isotretinoin in pregnancy can increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

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

Children exposed to isotretinoin during pregnancy may have hearing or vision problems that can affect learning. They may also have behavioral problems or intellectual disability. These issues are not always seen at birth and may appear as the child grows. 

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

Prenatal ultrasounds can screen for some birth defects and 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 isotretinoin: 

No information is available on the use of isotretinoin during breastfeeding. Due to the lack of data, the product label recommends not using this medication while breastfeeding. It is not known what effect, if any, exposure to isotretinoin through breast milk can have on a nursing infant. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

There have been a few reports of erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection) and ejaculatory problems (no semen released) in men taking isotretinoin. Changes in sperm morphology (size and shape) have also been reported. This could affect men’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). Studies have not been done in men to see if isotretinoin 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 haloperidol in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is haloperidol?

Haloperidol is a medication that has been used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. It has also been used to treat a severe type of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum). More information on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can be found here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol®.

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.

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

In some women, haloperidol 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 might make it harder to get pregnant.

Does taking haloperidol increase the chance for miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One study found no differences in the rate of miscarriage in women taking haloperidol or a related medication (penfluridol) compared to women not taking these treatments.

Does taking haloperidol 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 haloperidol, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Haloperidol is not expected to increase the chance for birth defects.

Most studies looking at the use of haloperidol during pregnancy did not find an increased chance for birth defects. There are two case reports of limb defects in infants after exposure to haloperidol and other medications during pregnancy. Case studies are not the same as a study, and cannot confirm that the medication caused the limb defect. One study looking at 188 pregnancies exposed to haloperidol found no increased chance for birth defects. In this study, limb defects were reported in one infant. It is not known if haloperidol, other medications, or other factors caused the limb defects.

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

One study reported an increased chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and low birth weights (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) when haloperidol was taken during pregnancy. However, the authors of the study reported they did not have information on some important factors that could be linked to low birth weight and/or preterm delivery. It is not known if haloperidol, other medications, the mental health condition, or other factors increased the chance for these problems.

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

There have been reports of withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to haloperidol during pregnancy. Symptoms might include low muscle tone (floppy), restlessness, unusual sleep patterns, trouble eating, involuntary shaking movements (tremors), and dehydration. Not all babies exposed to haloperidol will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking haloperidol so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

Based on the studies reviewed, it is not known if haloperidol increases the chance for behavior or learning issues.

Breastfeeding while taking haloperidol:

Haloperidol passes into breastmilk. Most breastfed babies exposed to haloperidol have not had reported symptoms.

One breastfeeding infant reportedly had trouble with feeding, being very sleepy, and had slow movements after exposure to haloperidol and another medication (risperidone) through breastmilk. The baby’s symptoms went away after breastfeeding was stopped. The reported symptoms might be related to the combination of medications. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as drowsiness), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

Some product labels for haloperidol recommend women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But the benefit of treating your condition and breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks of taking haloperidol. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using haloperidol and what treatment is best for you.

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

Taking haloperidol could raise a man’s levels of the hormone prolactin, which might affect fertility. Studies have not been done to see if use of haloperidol by men could increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. 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/.

A pregnancy registry for psychiatric medications, including this one, has been organized at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Contact the registry at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Please click here to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to etanercept 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 etanercept?

Etanercept (Enbrel®) is a medication that has been used to treat some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Etanercept is called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor because it binds and blocks TNF. TNF is a substance in the body that causes inflammation in the joints, spine, and skin.  

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.  

For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheets on rheumatoid arthritis at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/rheumatoid-arthritis/, ankylosing spondylitis at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ankylosing-spondylitis/, and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/psoriasis-and-pregnancy/.   

I am taking etanercept, 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 (to process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks, on average, for most of the etanercept to be gone from the body. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if etanercept can make it harder to get pregnant. Etanercept is being studied to see if it might help to improve the success rates of certain fertility treatments. 

Does taking etanercept increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One study found that 337 people treated with etanercept during their pregnancy did not have a higher chance of miscarriage compared to similar groups of people who were not treated with etanercept in pregnancy. Another study found no increase in miscarriage was reported in 417 people exposed to etanercept or another TNF inhibitor during pregnancy.  

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

Most studies do not show an increased risk of birth defects from using etanercept during pregnancy. Several small studies and one larger study of over 2,000 pregnancies found no increased risk. A few studies did find a higher rate of birth defects, but no specific pattern of birth defects was noted. Also, it is unclear if the defects were due to the medication or the underlying disease. One study found a small increase in risk with TNF inhibitors overall, but it did not compare to similar people not using the medication, so the cause of the increase reported is not clear.   

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

A study looking at 495 pregnancies exposed to TNF inhibitors (140 exposed to etanercept) found a small increased chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) when looking at all the TNF inhibitor medications. However, the study did not compare these pregnancy outcomes to those who had similar medical conditions but were not taking TNF inhibitors. This study cannot determine if the problems reported were due to the medications or the diseases being treated. Another study including 2,116 people who reported using etanercept during pregnancy did not find an increased chance of pregnancy complications.  

Three studies found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory arthritis, or psoriasis were more likely to have preterm delivery and have babies with lower birth weight than people who did not have these medical conditions. This was true for the people with medical conditions who used etanercept and those who did not. This makes it hard to know if the autoimmune conditions themselves or use of another medication besides etanercept increased the chance for these issues.   

More etanercept is thought to cross the placenta during the second and third trimesters than in the first trimester of pregnancy. Limited information looking at the use of etanercept in the third trimester has not shown increased risks to the fetus.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if etanercept can affect future behavior or learning for a child exposed during pregnancy.   

Can my baby receive vaccines before one year of age if I take etanercept later in pregnancy? 

Since etanercept might suppress the immune system of the person taking it, there is a theoretical (not proven) 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” vaccine. Live vaccines contain a small amount of live virus. In the United States, rotavirus is the only live vaccine routinely given in the first year of life. Inactivated vaccines do not contain live virus, so they cannot cause the disease they protect against. Most people can get inactivated vaccines in the first year of life.  

Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about your exposure to etanercept during pregnancy. They can talk with you about the vaccines your child should receive and the best time for your child to receive them. 

Breastfeeding while taking etanercept:

Etanercept is not well-absorbed from the gut. It is expected that any etanercept that gets into breast milk would most likely pass through the baby’s body without getting into their bloodstream. Information on 10 people taking etanercept while breastfeeding suggests that the levels of etanercept in breast milk are very low. Two of these reports looked at the amount of etanercept in the baby’s blood from breast milk and the lab test could not measure any etanercept in their blood. One of the infants was followed to 3 years of age and no harmful effects were reported.  

A small study looked at 5 infants exposed to etanercept through breastmilk and compared them to breastfeeding infants of people who had the same medical conditions but were not taking a TNF inhibitor medication. The study found no differences in the infants’ growth, development, response to vaccinations, or illnesses in the first year of life.  

A national registry of patients with rheumatic disease treated with drugs like etanercept was conducted in Spain. Three infants whose mothers were taking etanercept were breastfed (extent not stated) with no mild or severe adverse events reported in the infants. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Two small studies reported that men taking etanercept for spondylarthritis (SpA) had the same sperm quality as men with SpA who were not taking a TNF inhibitor. This suggests that etanercept would not affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant). 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 midazolam 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 midazolam?

 

Midazolam is a medication that has been used to help patients relax, be calm, and sleep before medical procedures, dental work, or surgeries. It has also been used to treat seizures and anxiety. Two brand names for midazolam are Versed® and Seizalam®. Midazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. MotherToBaby has a general fact sheet on anxiety at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/anxiety-fact/.    

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

 

Studies have not been done in humans to see if taking midazolam could make it harder to get pregnant. In an experimental animal study, midazolam did not affect fertility (ability to get pregnant). 

Does taking midazolam 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 midazolam could increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking midazolam 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 published data to try to understand if an exposure, like midazolam, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  Studies have not been done in humans to see if midazolam can increase the chance of birth defects. Animal studies did not find a higher chance of birth defects with exposure to midazolam. 

Does taking a benzodiazepine increase the chance of birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate? 

 

Some of the first studies that looked at the use of other benzodiazepines in pregnancy suggested a slight increased chance of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (opening in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth) if taken during the first trimester. Since these early reports, there have been other studies and reviews that have not found an increased chance of birth defects with the use of benzodiazepines during the first trimester. 

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

 

Studies have not been done to see if midazolam 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). 

If used near the end of a pregnancy, will midazolam cause symptoms in my baby after birth? 

 

The use of midazolam as part of a C-section can cause temporary symptoms in newborns such as trouble breathing soon after birth. Not all babies exposed to midazolam will have this issue. There have been reports of use of midazolam during C-section without problems for the newborn. C-section itself can cause temporary breathing problem in the baby.  

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

 

Studies have not been done to see if midazolam can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.  Animal studies have reported that midazolam, in combination with other medications for general anesthesia, might affect the developing brain. Based on this, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested that midazolam be avoided for use as general anesthesia and sedation during the third trimester of pregnancy for surgeries not related to delivery of the baby. If needed for a C-section, the baby would be exposed only for a short period of time; this has not been associated with learning issues. For more general information on anesthesia, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/general-anesthesia-pregnancy/.  

Breastfeeding while taking midazolam:  

 

Midazolam has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. Small amounts of midazolam can get into breast milk after single intravenous (IV) doses. If midazolam is given as part of general anesthesia (including for C-section), or as a single dose, breastfeeding can be restarted as soon as the mother is ready to nurse and once any side effects, such as feelings of sleepiness, have passed. Some professional organizations recommend delaying breastfeeding for at least 4 hours after midazolam is used during a procedure. If more than one IV dose is given during breastfeeding, watch the baby for sleepiness (hard to wake for feeding), low energy, or poor suckling. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

 

Studies have not been done to see if midazolam 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.

North American Antiepileptic Drug (AED) Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiepileptic medications, such as midazolam. Please see the registry website for more information: https://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/introduction/.

National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take psychiatric medications, such as midazolam. For more information you can look at their website: https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/.

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

What are herbal products?

Herbal products are considered dietary supplements. They are not the same as medication. In the United States, dietary supplements cannot be sold for the purposes of treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing disease. They come in many forms, such as teas, infusions, caplets, dried extracts, and tinctures.

People often forget to tell their healthcare provider(s) that they use herbal products, but it is important to let all your healthcare providers know about all herbal products, supplements, and other over-the-counter products that you use.

Dangerous side effects have been reported for some herbal products. Herbal products can also affect how prescribed medications or anesthesia work. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider if the supplement you are considering would be helpful for you before starting the use of any herbal products.

Herbs can also be used in food preparation. When used in moderation, herbs used in preparing food are not expected to be of concern.

Are herbal products different from using prescription or over-the-counter medications?

Yes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal products differently than prescription medications. Very few herbal products have scientific proof that they work at all or in the way stated on the product label. Also, there are no standards for ingredients and strength. Be mindful of product claims such as “works better than [a prescription drug],” “totally safe,” or has “no side effects.” Keep in mind that the term ‘natural’ doesn’t mean a product is free from harmful effects.

Many herbal supplements have not been evaluated for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Herbal products could contain high amounts of ingredients that can be of concern in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Some herbal products might contain contaminants such as metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), pesticides, other chemicals, or microorganisms (e.g. fungi or bacteria). They might contain other ingredients not listed on the label. Tinctures and liquid products can contain alcohol. Alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy. Levels of active ingredients in herbal preparations will depend on the growing and harvesting conditions, plant parts used (e.g. root, stem, flower, and/or bark), and the way they are made into supplements.

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

Some herbal supplements have been shown to cause changes in hormones that are important for getting pregnant. Other products have been suggested to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

I just found out that I am pregnant, should I stop using herbal products?

Most herbal products have not been well studied during pregnancy, so it might not be known how they could affect a pregnancy. A woman who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy should talk with their healthcare providers about their herbal products and why they are using them. There might be other therapies for which more information on using during pregnancy is available.

Does taking herbal products increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some products have been shown to cause hormone imbalance or uterine contractions that could lead to pregnancy loss.

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

There is limited information on the use of most herbal products during pregnancy. Products that contain more than 1 ingredient are very hard to study for how they could affect a pregnancy. Other concerns with using herbal products during pregnancy include interactions between herbal products and other medications and possible harmful substances in herbal products that are not noted on the label.

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

Some products have been shown to bring on labor, changes in hormones, or uterine contractions. Read the label on the product and discuss each ingredient with your healthcare provider.

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

For many herbal products, studies have not been done to see if they can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding and herbal products:

There is little information on use of herbal products while breastfeeding. Read the label on the product and discuss each ingredient with your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Some herbal products might affect men’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). Herbal product ingredients should be looked at carefully before using. 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.