This sheet is about exposure to thalidomide in pregnancy and 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 thalidomide? 

Thalidomide is a medicine that changes how the immune system works and reduces the body’s ability to grow new blood vessels. It was first introduced in Germany in the 1960s as a sleeping pill. It was also given to pregnant women to help with nausea and vomiting. Later, it was discovered that it could cause serious birth defects. It became one of the first medicines known to cause birth defects in humans. 

Thalidomide was not approved in the United States until 1998. Today, it is used to treat certain conditions, including leprosy, some cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and complications from HIV. It is sold under the brand name Thalomid®. 

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. The product label for thalidomide recommends not using this medication during pregnancy. 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. 

If you miss your period, get pregnant, have a positive pregnancy test, or have unusual menstrual bleeding while taking thalidomide, contact your healthcare provider right away.  

I am taking thalidomide, 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 up to 2 days, on average, for most of the thalidomide to be gone from the body. It has been recommended that people stop using thalidomide for 1 month before trying to get pregnant. 

Thalidomide can cause birth defects when taken early in pregnancy, often before a pregnancy is recognized. It is recommended that 2 different and reliable methods of birth control be used if a woman is taking thalidomide. It is very important that effective methods of birth control be always used correctly. Thalidomide may lower how well oral birth control pills work. The manufacturer of thalidomide developed the REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program (formerly known as the S.T.E.P.S.® program) to help prevent thalidomide exposure in pregnancy Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the 2 birth control methods you should use when taking thalidomide. 

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

A small study of people with inflammatory bowel disease found that treatment with thalidomide may lower the number of eggs in the ovaries, which could make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking thalidomide increase the chance of miscarriage?   

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. If a person takes thalidomide in pregnancy, there is an increased chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking thalidomide 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 thalidomide, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Thalidomide can increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. 

When thalidomide is taken early in pregnancy (between the 20th and 36th day after conception or the 34-50th day after the start of the last period), there is at least a 20% (1 in 5) chance of birth defects. The birth defects usually seen are very short or missing arms and legs, missing parts of the ears, and hearing loss. There is also a chance of other problems such as missing or small eyes, paralysis of the face, and defects in the heart, kidney, genitals (sex organs), and gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). The chance of birth defects if thalidomide is taken after the first trimester is unknown.  

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

Exposure to thalidomide in pregnancy has been linked to poor growth of the fetus. It is not known if thalidomide can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37).  

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

Long-term studies of thalidomide exposure during pregnancy were done on children who were born with birth defects. Some have intellectual disabilities or other conditions such as autism. It is not known if or how thalidomide might affect behavior or learning in children exposed to thalidomide who were not born with physical birth defects. 

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

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some birth defects. Ultrasound can also be used to monitor the growth of the pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell how much effect there could be on future behavior or learning. 

Breastfeeding while taking thalidomide: 

Thalidomide has not been studied for use in breastfeeding. Based on its chemical properties, it is expected to pass into breast milk. The drug might cause drowsiness in a breastfed infant, but exact effects of thalidomide (if any) on breastfed infants are unknown.  

The product label for thalidomide recommends not using this medication while breastfeeding. However, the benefit of using thalidomide may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using thalidomide and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if thalidomide could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. Thalidomide can get into semen, often at levels higher than found in blood. It is recommended that men use latex or synthetic condoms during intercourse while they are taking thalidomide and for 28 days after stopping the medication. For more information on paternal exposures in general, 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 dextroamphetamine-amphetamine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is dextroamphetamine-amphetamine? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine increase the chance of miscarriage?  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking dextroamphetamine-amphetamine: 

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

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

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

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

Please click here for references.  

This sheet is about exposure to semaglutide 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 is semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is available as an injection (given by shot) or by tablet (taken by mouth). The injectable form is sold under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy®. The tablet form is sold under the brand name Rybelsus®.

Rybelsus® and Ozempic® are used to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy® is used for weight loss. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, and the product label for Wegovy® recommends that it not be used in pregnancy.

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.

Obesity and high/uncontrolled blood sugar can make it harder to get pregnant, and increase the chance of miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy complications. MotherToBaby has fact sheets on diabetes here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/type-1-and-type-2-diabetes/ and on obesity here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/obesity-pregnancy/.

I am taking semaglutide, 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 can take up to 6 weeks, on average, for most of the semaglutide to be gone from the body. The product labels for Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® recommend women who are planning a pregnancy stop this medication 2 months before getting pregnant.

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

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

Does taking semaglutide increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done in women to see if semaglutide can increase the chance of miscarriage. Animal studies have reported a higher chance of miscarriage; however, it is unclear if this finding was due to the medication or from weight loss. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if the medication, the medical condition, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.

Does taking semaglutide 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 semaglutide, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. There are limited studies on semaglutide use in pregnancy. One case report involved a woman who took semaglutide for the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy and gave birth to a child without any reported birth defects. In a study of 168 pregnant women using GLP-1s, including 51 who took semaglutide, no increased chance of birth defects was reported.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if semaglutide 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). Animal studies reported that offspring were smaller than usual when the parent was exposed to doses of semaglutide higher than the dose used in humans. It is unclear if this was due to the medication, the weight loss, or other factors.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking semaglutide:

There is limited information on the use of semaglutide while breastfeeding. Semaglutide is expected to get into breast milk in small amounts. In a study with 8 women who were breastfeeding, semaglutide was not detected in the breastmilk after injections of up to 1.0 mg per week. Semaglutide is not expected to cause side effects in the breastfed infant.

The product label for Rybelsus® recommends that women who are breastfeeding not use the tablet form of the medication. This is because there is no published data on the use of the oral form of semaglutide during breastfeeding. There is a theoretical (not proven) concern that using the tablet form could lead to higher levels of semaglutide in a nursing infant. However, the benefit of using Rybelsus® might outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about managing your condition while breastfeeding and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done in men to see if semaglutide could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. There were no changes in male fertility reported in one animal study using the dose of semaglutide that would be used 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/.

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to regular strength aspirin 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 regular strength aspirin?

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, has been used to treat inflammation, fever, and pain. It has also been used to prevent blood clots. Aspirin belongs to the class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is available over the counter and by prescription. A single tablet of regular strength aspirin is 325mg. This sheet will focus on the use of more than 325mg of aspirin in a 24-hour period.

Low dose aspirin is sometimes used in pregnancy for different reasons. The pregnancy information for low dose aspirin is different. MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on low dose aspirin here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/low-dose-aspirin/.

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

I take regular strength aspirin. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

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

Does taking regular strength aspirin increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. An increased chance of miscarriage has been reported with the use of regular strength aspirin, especially with use around the time of conception.

Does taking regular strength aspirin 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 regular strength aspirin, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.

Most studies on the use of regular strength aspirin do not show an increased chance of birth defects. A few small studies have reported an increased chance of gastroschisis (opening in the stomach wall of the fetus) with early pregnancy use of regular strength aspirin.

Does taking regular strength aspirin in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Regular strength aspirin is generally not recommended for use after week 20 of pregnancy. There are some studies that suggest NSAIDs 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. Other studies have not reported these findings. There can also be an increased chance for issues such as bleeding during pregnancy, bleeding after delivery (post-partum hemorrhage), and bleeding in the brain of the newborn with the use of regular strength aspirin in pregnancy.

Some reports suggest that NSAID use in the 2nd half of pregnancy might affect the fetal kidneys and the amount of amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus). One study suggested that the use of NSAIDS in the 1^st half of pregnancy might also affect the fetal kidneys and amount of amniotic fluid. If there is not enough amniotic fluid (called oligohydramnios), other pregnancy complications, such as poor lung development and joint contractures (joints can become stiff or unable to move), could happen. Oligohydramnios can also increase the chance that an early delivery is needed. In some cases, oligohydramnios could cause fetal demise.

Regular strength aspirin use later in pregnancy might also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart). If the ductus arteriosus closes before it should, it can cause high blood pressure in the fetal lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

Regular strength aspirin should only be used under a healthcare provider’s supervision, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Your healthcare providers can closely monitor your pregnancy if you need to use regular strength aspirin after week 20.

Does taking regular strength aspirin in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Some studies have shown an increase in newborn bleeding, including bleeding in the brain, from the use of regular strength aspirin during pregnancy. This might affect future brain development.

Breastfeeding while taking regular strength aspirin:

Aspirin passes into breast milk and is broken down by an infant’s body more slowly than in an adult’s body. This means aspirin levels in the infant’s body could build up over time. High doses of aspirin can lower the body’s ability to clot blood (could lead to easier bruising or bleeding). Reye’s syndrome, a rare condition involving brain swelling and liver damage, can be caused by giving aspirin to an infant while they are recovering from a viral infection such as a cold, the flu, or chickenpox. The same risk has not been reported when a baby is exposed to aspirin through breast milk. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (bleeding or bruising), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a male takes regular strength aspirin, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if regular strength aspirin 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 the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine 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 measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral diseases that are mostly spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Measles can cause rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Mumps can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands under the ears. Rubella can cause fever, sore throat, a rash that usually starts on the face, and other symptoms. If a woman gets rubella during pregnancy, the virus can pass to the fetus and increase the chance of birth defects. This is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). For more information, please see our fact sheet on measles, mumps, and rubella here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-rubella-mmr-pregnancy/

What is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine (also called a live-attenuated vaccine). The MMR vaccine is a mixture of live but weakened measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. The vaccine helps the body build antibodies (immunity) to these viruses and protects against these viruses in the future. These antibodies usually last for life. In the U.S., the MMR vaccine is usually given during childhood in two doses.

I am not sure if I ever had the MMR vaccine. Should I get the vaccine before getting pregnant?

It is recommended that all women of childbearing age who do not have immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella receive the MMR vaccine at least one month before getting pregnant. If you were born outside the U.S., or are not sure if you were vaccinated, your healthcare provider can do a blood test to see if you have antibodies to these viruses. Getting the MMR vaccine before you are pregnant can help lower the chance of the fetus developing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Getting the MMR vaccine before you are pregnant increases the amount of antibodies that you will naturally pass down to your baby once they are born. This will help protect your baby from getting measles, mumps, or rubella until they are old enough to receive the MMR vaccine.

I just got an MMR vaccine. How long should I wait until I get pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests waiting to get pregnant, if possible, until one month after receiving the MMR vaccine and your immunity is confirmed by a blood test.

Does getting the MMR vaccine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if the MMR vaccine can increase the chance of miscarriage. Infection with measles, mumps, and/or rubella during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does getting the MMR vaccine 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 getting the MMR vaccine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. There is no evidence to suggest that getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy can increase the chance of birth defects. Information from at least 1,600 pregnancies in which the MMR vaccine was given right before or during pregnancy found no increased chance of birth defects.

The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy because of a very small chance of illness from the weakened viruses in the vaccine itself. This is very rare in the general population. There has been one documented case of a pregnant woman getting the MMR vaccine during the first trimester and then their baby was diagnosed with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) after being born.

Does getting the MMR vaccine increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

It is not known if getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy 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). Because the MMR vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy, vaccination in the second and third trimester has not been well studied.

Will getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

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

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some birth defects. Ultrasound can also be used to track 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 and getting the MMR vaccine:

The MMR vaccine can be given to women who are breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man gets the MMR vaccine, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if the MMR vaccine could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. When a man gets vaccinated, this can help protect his partner, a pregnancy, and children from getting infected with these illnesses. 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 and Pregnancy at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.