This sheet is about exposure to vitamin K 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 vitamin K?

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that is used by the body to help the blood clot (stick together) properly. Essential vitamins are nutrients that the body cannot make, so people need to get them from other sources. Vitamin K can be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and some fruits. Vitamin K is also available as a dietary supplement or an injection (shot).

Vitamin K deficiency (very low levels of vitamin K in the body) can cause symptoms, such as bleeding more than usual or bruising easily. Not all people with a vitamin K deficiency will have symptoms. Sometimes, other health conditions or taking medications that interact with how vitamin K is absorbed can increase the chance of having serious symptoms.

Vitamin K comes in 7 forms, known as vitamins K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7. Vitamins K1 and K2 are natural forms of vitamin K. Vitamins K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7 are synthetic (lab-made) forms of vitamin K. Vitamin K3 (also called menadione) is no longer used in dietary supplements or fortified foods. The information in this sheet will apply to forms of vitamin K that are found in dietary supplements, fortified foods, or naturally occurring in other foods (all forms except for vitamin K3).

If you have been prescribed vitamin K by your healthcare providers, talk with them before making changes to how you take this supplement. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of maintaining your nutrient levels and the risks of low vitamin K during pregnancy.

Talk with your healthcare providers about all supplements/vitamins that you take. Have the bottles or photos of the labels with you so that all reported ingredients and their amounts can be reviewed.

How much vitamin K is needed in pregnancy?

The Adequate Intake (AI) is the amount of vitamin K that people should aim to get each day. There have been no side effects reported in the general population with intake of vitamin K above the adequate intake level.

		Adequate Intake (AI)
Pregnant and age 14 to 18 years old	75 mcg / day
Pregnant and age 19 years or older	90 mcg / day
Breastfeeding and age 14 to 18 years old	75 mcg / day
Breastfeeding and age 19 years or older	90 mcg / day

Most people get enough vitamin K from their diet. When adding up how much vitamin K you are getting, remember to count amounts from foods, drinks, and from any supplements you are taking. There are resources available online that list amounts of vitamin K typically found in foods, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, found here: https://nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/page-files/Vitamin%20K.pdf. Factors like diet, medications, and certain medical conditions can cause someone to have low levels of vitamin K. Some people, including pregnant women, might need to take a vitamin K supplement. Be sure to talk with your healthcare providers about your specific nutritional needs before, during, and after pregnancy.

Can vitamin K make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Vitamin K at the adequate intake level is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant. It is not known if having a vitamin K deficiency can make it harder to get pregnant.

Does vitamin K increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Vitamin K at the adequate intake level is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage. Studies have not been done to see if having a vitamin K deficiency can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does vitamin K 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 vitamin K, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Vitamin K at the adequate intake level is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects.

In one collection of case reports, 14 infants whose mothers had vitamin K deficiency during pregnancy were reported to have poor development of the bones in the skull and changes in the way the brain formed. Case reports cannot provide enough information to know if vitamin K deficiency actually caused these findings. In some of these cases, vitamin K deficiency was caused by severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (called hyperemesis gravidarum). This makes it hard to know if the vitamin K deficiency or other factors, such as a health condition, caused the reported issues. For more information on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, please see our fact sheet here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/.

Does vitamin K increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Vitamin K at the adequate intake level 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).

Having a vitamin K deficiency can increase the chance of hemorrhage (blood loss from a broken blood vessel) in the pregnant woman and intracranial (in the brain) hemorrhage in the fetus.

Does vitamin K affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Vitamin K at the adequate intake level is not expected to affect future behavior or learning for the child.

Studies have not been done to see if having a vitamin K deficiency alone can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Intracranial hemorrhages or issues with the skull or brain due to vitamin K deficiency could affect future behavior or learning for the child.

Breastfeeding and vitamin K:

Vitamin K is a typical part of breast milk. Breastfeeding women should continue to get the daily recommended adequate intake of vitamin K unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider. The adequate intake level for breastfeeding is the same as pregnancy and can be found in the chart above.

Breastfeeding women should talk to their healthcare provider and their child’s pediatrician about their specific nutritional needs before, during, and after breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Vitamin K at the adequate intake level is not expected to affect men’s fertility or increase the chance of birth defects. Studies have not been done to see if a vitamin K deficiency could affect men’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 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 trazodone 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 trazodone? 

Trazodone is an antidepressant and sedative that has been used to treat depression and symptoms of insomnia (trouble sleeping). Some brand names for trazodone include Desyrel®, Oleptro®, and Trazorel®. 

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.  

Some women may have a return of their symptoms (relapse) if they stop this medication during pregnancy. If you stop taking this medication, it is important to have other forms of support in place (e.g. counseling or therapy) and a plan to restart the medication after delivery, if needed. If you plan to stop this medication, your healthcare provider may suggest that you slowly lower the dose instead of stopping all at once. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is not known if or how withdrawal might affect a pregnancy. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if trazodone could make it harder to get pregnant. Some conditions, including depression, can make it harder to get pregnant. This makes it hard to know if the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors might affect fertility (ability to get pregnant). For more information on depression, please see our fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy/. 

Does taking trazodone increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Multiple studies found no increase in miscarriage when trazodone was taken during pregnancy. One study found an increased chance of miscarriage after exposure to antidepressants during the first trimester. However, only a small number of pregnancies in this study (about 2%) were exposed to trazodone. Some studies have reported a higher chance of miscarriage when depression is left untreated in pregnancy. 

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

Studies have looked at over 300 pregnancies where trazodone was taken during the first trimester. These studies did not find an increased chance of birth defects above the background risk.   

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

One study found no greater chance for preterm delivery (delivery before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) in babies who were exposed to trazodone during pregnancy.    

Another study of over 200 pregnancies found no greater chance for low birth weight but did find a slightly higher chance for preterm delivery. However, research has also shown that when depression is left untreated during pregnancy, there could be an increased chance of pregnancy complications. This makes it hard to know if the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors might increase the chance of pregnancy complications.  

One study suggests that trazodone and similar antidepressants might increase the chance of preeclampsia (high blood pressure and organ problems, such as kidney issues) and having a baby who is small for gestational age (SGA). However, these studies looked at several medications, not just trazodone, so it is unclear if trazodone alone was responsible. Research also shows that untreated depression during pregnancy may increase the chance of both preeclampsia and having a smaller baby. Because of this, it is hard to know whether any possible risk is due to the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors. The study also found that taking trazodone as prescribed is not expected to increase the chance of stillbirth. 

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

The use of trazodone during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms include jitteriness, breathing problems, or trouble feeding. Not all babies exposed to trazodone will have symptoms. No withdrawal symptoms were reported in one study of 18 infants exposed to 50 mg/day of trazodone for insomnia in the third trimester. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking trazodone so that if symptoms do occur, your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking trazodone: 

Information on the use of trazodone in breastfeeding is limited. Trazadone passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as being more sleepy than usual), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if trazodone could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. Men with conditions such as depression may have lower sex drive (desire to have sex), which might make it harder for them to get a woman 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 having dengue in a pregnancy or 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 dengue?

Dengue is a viral disease caused by 4 related viruses called: dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4. Most people are exposed to a dengue virus through being bitten by an infected mosquito. Less common exposures can come from blood transfusions, organ transplants, or needlestick injuries. Dengue transmission through sexual intercourse has not been confirmed.

Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms reported with mild dengue include fever (temporary rise in body temperature over 101^oF [38.3^oC]), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Mild symptoms usually start 4 to 10 days after infection and can last for 2 to 7 days. A severe case of dengue can become fatal. Symptoms of severe dengue can include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from gums and nose, fatigue (being very tired), restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, being very thirsty, pallor (changes in skin tone, such as becoming pale, ashen, gray or yellowish in color), cold skin, and feeling weak. If you think you have any of the severe symptoms, please seek care from a healthcare provider right away.

I’ve had dengue once. Can I get it again?

Dengue can be caused by 4 different viruses. If you have had dengue, your body may develop protection (immunity) to the strain of virus that you had, so you should not be able to get dengue from that strain again. For example, if you have been exposed to dengue-1 virus, it is unlikely you would get sick from exposure to dengue-1 virus again in the future. However, you could be infected by another strain. People who have already had dengue and then get dengue again have a higher chance of developing severe symptoms.

How can I protect my pregnancy from dengue?

Information to plan for travel can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/index.html. If you travel to an area or live in an area with a chance of dengue, prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent and taking other steps as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/preventing-mosquito-bites-while-traveling.html. MotherToBaby has fact sheets for Insect Repellents at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/insect-repellents/ and for DEET at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/deet-nn-ethyl-m-toluamide-pregnancy/.

After returning from an area with risk of dengue, prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so dengue is not spread to local mosquitoes to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to other people: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html.

A dengue vaccine is approved for use in children aged 9 to 16 years old who meet certain criteria. However, the vaccine is not approved for use in U.S. travelers who are visiting but not living in an area where dengue is common. More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/vaccine/index.html.

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

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

Dengue can be passed to a fetus during pregnancy. There are no official recommendations to wait to try and conceive after having dengue. However, if you travel to an area with a risk of dengue, talk with your healthcare provider about your travel and your plans to try and get pregnant.

Does having dengue increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if dengue can increase the chance of miscarriage. Some studies suggest that having dengue can increase the chance of miscarriage, while other studies do not. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if the infection, the medications used to treat the infection, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.

Does having dengue 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. It is not known if having a dengue infection increases the chance for birth defects above the background risk.

Most studies do not suggest that having an active dengue infection increases the chance of birth defects above the background risk. One report suggested cerebral malformations (changes in the way the brain is formed during pregnancy) in babies born to women who had an active dengue infection during pregnancy. It is not clear what kind of cerebral malformations were seen, and three cases are not enough to know if there is an increased chance of birth defects. Also, this study did not report if the researchers looked at other factors (such as fever, other infections, age of the pregnant woman, medications, or substance use). It is not possible to say whether dengue infection caused the birth defects in this report.

Fever is a possible symptom of dengue. A high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects. Acetaminophen is usually recommended to reduce fever in pregnancy. If you have dengue and develop a fever, talk with your healthcare provider to confirm that taking acetaminophen is the best way to lower it. For more information about fever and pregnancy, see the MotherToBaby fact sheet about hyperthermia at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hyperthermia-pregnancy/.

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

Some studies suggest that dengue 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). Other complications, such as post-partum hemorrhage (bleeding after delivery), kidney problems, respiratory distress syndrome, liver failure, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys, which can lead to seizures [called eclampsia]), stillbirth, and death have been reported when a woman is infected with dengue during pregnancy.

Can the virus that causes dengue pass to the baby during pregnancy or at the time of delivery?

When a pregnant woman passes an infection to the fetus, it is called vertical transmission. Vertical transmission has been reported with dengue infection in pregnancy.

Vertical transmission can happen at any time in pregnancy but is more likely to happen when a woman gets the infection close to delivery. The chance of passing dengue to the fetus can vary depending on many factors, including the area of the world where the infection occurred, and the strains of dengue virus the pregnant person was infected with. When a pregnant woman has severe dengue, or there is a lot of the virus present in the body, the chance of vertical transmission might be higher.

Most newborns who get a dengue infection are asymptomatic (do not show symptoms) but can develop symptoms within 14 days of birth (most commonly within the first week). Symptoms in infants can range from mild to severe. Rash and bleeding problems have been reported in newborns. Breathing issues have been less commonly reported.

Not all pregnant women who have dengue will have these issues. Talk with your healthcare team if you have or think you have dengue, so you and your pregnancy can be monitored as appropriate.

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

It is not known if a dengue infection during pregnancy can affect future learning or behavior for the child. Children born before 37 weeks of delivery (preterm) can have an increased chance of issues related to learning and development. This makes it hard to know if the infection itself, a complication from the infection, or other factors are increasing the chance of these issues.

Breastfeeding and dengue:

Dengue virus has been found in breast milk. Transmission of dengue virus through breast milk is not well studied. There is one report of an infant having dengue symptoms (fever and bleeding) after being breastfed by their mother, who had an active dengue infection. Due to the benefits of breastfeeding, women are encouraged to breastfeed even if dengue infection is suspected.

If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (fever or a low temperature [less than 36°C or 96.8°F], sleepiness, irritability, rash, bleeding of the gums or nose, bruising, or vomiting) contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

One study looking at 10 men with dengue found a decrease in the amount of sperm made 30 days after the start of symptoms. The low sperm count was temporary. Having a low sperm count can make it harder to get a woman pregnant. Studies have not been done to see if dengue 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 tirzepatide 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 tirzepatide? 

Tirzepatide is a medication that has been used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to treat obesity. Brand names include Mounjaro® (used for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound® (used for weight management). 

If you are using tirzepatide, 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. Weight loss is not generally recommended during pregnancy. 

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

The product label for tirzepatide states the use of this medication might change the way oral contraceptives (birth control pills used to prevent pregnancy) are absorbed by the body. This might increase the chance of pregnancy, even if the oral birth control is taken correctly. The product label suggests women using oral contraceptives switch to a non-oral birth control or add a barrier method of contraception (like condoms) for 4 weeks after starting the medication and for 4 weeks after each increase in dose. If you are taking this medication, talk with your healthcare provider about non-oral birth control and all your options for preventing a pregnancy. 

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

The time it takes to metabolize (break down) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy adults, it can take up to 30 days, on average, for most of the tirzepatide to be gone from the body.  

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

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

Does taking tirzepatide 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 tirzepatide can increase the chance of miscarriage.  

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

Research studies have not been done to see if tirzepatide increases the chance of birth defects in humans. In animal studies, an increased chance for some birth defects was seen. However, it is unclear if these birth defects were due to the medication or other factors in the study (such as weight loss, or poorly controlled diabetes). Diabetes with unmet glucose goals in pregnancy can increase the chance of birth defects. It is important that diabetes is managed during pregnancy and glucose levels stay in your goal/target range throughout pregnancy.  

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

Human studies have not been done to see if tirzepatide 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 a decrease in the weight of the offspring after exposure to tirzepatide in pregnancy. It is unclear if this was due to the medication, weight loss in the mother, or other factors. Diabetes with unmet glucose goals/targets in pregnancy can increase the chance of pregnancy complications.  

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking tirzepatide: 

Tirzepatide has not been well studied for use during breastfeeding. Tirzepatide might pass into breast milk in very small amounts. Any of the tirzepatide in breast milk is likely to break down in the infant’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract and not be well-absorbed by the infant. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare providers about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if tirzepatide could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There were no changes in male fertility reported in one animal study. 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 buspirone 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 buspirone? 

Buspirone is a medication that has been used to treat anxiety. The brand name for buspirone is BuSpar®. 

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. For more information on anxiety, see our fact sheet here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/anxiety-fact/.  

When this medication is stopped, symptoms may return (called a relapse). If you plan to stop this medication, your healthcare provider may suggest that you slowly lower the dose instead of stopping all at once. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is not known what effect, if any, withdrawal could have on a pregnancy. 

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

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

Does taking buspirone 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 buspirone can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

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

It is not known if buspirone can increase the chance of birth defects. Information from a pregnancy registry found no birth defects among 72 infants exposed to buspirone during pregnancy. 

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

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

The use of some medications during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. There is a report of one infant with decreased growth, tremors, low muscle tone, low blood sugar, and trouble feeding. The infant was exposed to buspirone, other medications, and cigarette smoke during pregnancy. It is not known if the reported symptoms were due to buspirone, other exposures, or a combination of factors. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking buspirone so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking buspirone: 

Information on the use of buspirone in breastfeeding is limited. Buspirone passes into breast milk in small amounts.  

There are reports that looked at effects of buspirone in breastfed infants. One report found no short-term side effects in an 11-week-old baby whose mother was taking 2 medications including 10 mg/day of buspirone. Another report described seizure-like activity in a 3-week-old infant. However, the authors suggested that if one of the 3 prescription medications that the mother was taking contributed to the effects seen in the baby, it was unlikely to be buspirone. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider.  

The product label for buspirone recommends that women who are breastfeeding avoid this medication if possible. But the benefit of using buspirone during breastfeeding might outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using buspirone and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies by the manufacturer reported lower libido (less desire to have sex), delayed ejaculation, and impotence (inability to get and maintain an erection) in men taking buspirone. These issues can affect men’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). Studies have not been done to see if men’s exposure to buspirone 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.