This sheet is about having nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This information is based on available published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. 

What is nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP)? 

NVP or “morning sickness” is the most common medical condition in pregnancy. About 8 out of 10 (80%) of women who are pregnant can have NVP symptoms. NVP symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms might happen at any time during the day or at night. Symptoms can include nausea, dry heaves, retching, and/or vomiting. NVP usually begins between 4 to 9 weeks of pregnancy, and peaks between 7 and 12 weeks. In most pregnant women, symptoms go away between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy. However, some women might continue to have symptoms up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, and some might have symptoms throughout their pregnancy (until delivery).   

The most severe form of NVP is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and happens in up to 3 out of 100 (3%) of women during pregnancy. In HG, there is severe nausea and constant vomiting that causes weight loss and dehydration (not getting enough water). Pregnant women with HG can require hospitalization.  

Whether symptoms of NVP are mild, moderate, or severe, it can have a major impact on quality of life. If NVP is affecting your ability to eat/drink, sleep, and/or perform your daily activities, speak with your healthcare provider.  

Taking prenatal vitamins might worsen NVP, as the iron might cause greater symptoms, upset stomach and/or cause constipation. Discuss this with your healthcare provider if you are having trouble taking your prenatal vitamin. 

If symptoms of NVP first start at the 10th week of pregnancy or later, they might be due to other causes and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. See the paragraph below on “Could NVP symptoms be due to something other than pregnancy?”.   

Does having NVP increase the chance for miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some studies have suggested that women with NVP might be less likely to have a miscarriage. 

Does having NVP 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 having NVP might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Most studies have not shown an increased chance of birth defects when a woman who is pregnant has NVP.   

Would having NVP increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems? 

Women with severe NVP or HG are at a greater risk of malnutrition or getting dehydrated, as they might not be able to keep enough food or water down. This can cause medical complications for the pregnant woman. Some studies have found that HG might be associated with a slightly higher chance of having a baby that is smaller than expected.    

Does having NVP affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

Severe NVP in pregnancy, with weight loss and lasting a long time through pregnancy, might be associated with behavioral or developmental difficulties. Long-term outcomes are difficult to study and difficult to connect to a single cause. It Is difficult to know if these outcomes are due to the NVP or HG, the malnutrition that can happen with severe vomiting, the stress of dealing with prolonged NVP, or some other factor(s). Women with severe NVP should check in with their healthcare providers to talk about treatment options to help lessen symptoms.  

Are there treatments for NVP?  

It is helpful to treat NVP symptoms as soon as they start, as it might be easier to get them under control when treated right away. There are food and lifestyle changes that might help lessen NVP symptoms. There are also medications that have been used to treat NVP.  Some women might need to use a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help lessen their symptoms.  

Changes in food and lifestyle that have helped some women to lessen NVP symptoms include: 

• Eating small meals or a snack every 1-2 hours 

• Adding a protein source to each snack and each meal 

• Drinking cold or partially frozen fluids daily (8 cups) 

• Keeping solids and liquids separate, by drinking 20 to 30 minutes before or after meals/snacks 

• Eating bland foods that are gentle on the stomach, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) 

There are prescription medications that have been used to treat NVP. For information on specific medications in pregnancy, see our MotherToBaby fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets-parent/ or contact a MotherToBaby specialist. You and your healthcare providers should work together to find the best treatment options for your symptoms.  

Could NVP be due to something other than pregnancy?  

Discuss your specific NVP symptoms with your healthcare providers, as there are other medical conditions that could cause nausea and vomiting. For example, symptoms of heartburn, indigestion and/or acid reflux (such as burning, burping, belching, or nausea at night) affect many women when pregnant. Some people find heartburn relief when avoiding fatty/acidic foods, and when elevating the head of the bed to sleep on an incline (raising the head higher than the abdomen).  

Another cause of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Testing for this bacterium has been recommended for pregnant woman with a history of severe NVP or HG. If a pregnant woman tests positive for this bacterium, she can be treated during her pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help determine if there are other possible medical causes for your NVP symptoms. 

In addition, the following website might be helpful: https://www.hyperemesis.org/. 

Please click here for references.  

This sheet is about having a syphilis infection in a pregnancy or 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 syphilis?  

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if not treated. Syphilis infection is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum).  

People can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis can also be spread through contact with the rash that appears in later stages of the disease. When a pregnant woman has a syphilis infection, the infection can pass to the fetus (vertical transmission). If the fetus is infected, this is called congenital syphilis.  

Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again in the future, so it is important to lower the risk of getting a new syphilis infection. Sex partner(s) should be tested and, if positive, treated for syphilis right away. Other ways to lower your risk of getting syphilis can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/about-congenital-syphilis.html. 

What are the stages and symptoms of syphilis?  

Syphilis infection is divided into 4 stages. People’s symptoms of syphilis can be different depending on the stage. Some people have no symptoms or only very mild symptoms. 

• Primary syphilis: One or more painless sores (called chancres) develop 1 to 12 weeks after exposure to T. pallidum. Sores usually appear in the genital area or the mouth. Most of the time the sores go away on their own. Syphilis can be cured in this stage with the right treatment.  

• Secondary syphilis: Appears 4 to 10 weeks after primary syphilis. Symptoms may include rash (usually on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands), flat warts (which may appear on the vulva), fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue (feeling very tired). Symptoms usually go away on their own in 3 to 8 weeks. Syphilis can be cured in this stage with the right treatment.  

• Latent syphilis: There are no visible signs or symptoms of syphilis in this stage, even though the infection has not gone away. Syphilis in this stage can only be diagnosed with blood testing. Latent stage is divided into early-latent (no symptoms, but infection happened within the past 12 months) and late-latent (no symptoms, but infection happened more than 12 months ago). Syphilis can be cured in this stage with the right treatment. About 4 out of 10 (40%) people will develop tertiary stage syphilis if not treated. 

• Tertiary syphilis: Appears between 5 years to 25 years after the latent stage if Syphilis is not treated. At this stage, syphilis infection can damage many parts of the body and may appear in different forms. Some people develop gummas (soft tumor-like growths) on the skin, bones, or organs. Others develop heart, blood vessel, neurologic (brain) problems. Even with treatment at this stage, some damage may not fully improve. 

How can I find out if I have syphilis? 

A blood test can be done to find out if you have syphilis. People can have syphilis and not know it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women who are pregnant get tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and again at delivery. 

Is there treatment for syphilis? 

Syphilis infection can be treated and usually cured with antibiotics, such as penicillin. Because syphilis can pass to the fetus if untreated, it is very important to start treatment right away. Use of penicillin during pregnancy is not expected to increase chances for pregnancy problems. MotherToBaby has a factsheet on penicillin here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/penicillin-g/. If you have a penicillin allergy, your healthcare provider will go over what treatment is best for you.  

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

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

Does having/getting syphilis increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Having syphilis increases the chance of miscarriage.  

How likely is it that syphilis infection in pregnancy will pass to the fetus? 

Syphilis can be passed to a fetus during any trimester of pregnancy. Transmission can also happen during delivery if the baby comes into direct contact with an infected sore.  

The highest rates of vertical transmission in pregnancy are reported among women with primary or secondary syphilis in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy.   

The rates of vertical transmission are very low (less than 1 out of 100 (less than 1%)) if syphilis is treated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. This is why early screening and treatment in pregnancy is important.  

Does having/getting syphilis 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 having syphilis, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Before birth, babies with congenital syphilis can develop problems like an enlarged liver or spleen, anemia, an enlarged placenta, too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), or fluid buildup in the body (hydrops). Some of these problems can get better or go away if syphilis is treated.  

Does having/getting syphilis increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?  

Congenital syphilis increases the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), or stillbirth.  

After birth and up to age 2 years, babies with congenital syphilis might show signs of early infection, including bone problems or swelling of the joint, skin rashes, low blood counts, liver or gallbladder problems, problems with feeding, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Health problems that might be seen later (after the age of 2 years) can include problems with teeth, hearing loss, eye problems and vision loss, and bone or facial differences.  

Which problems happen can depend on the stage of the mother’s syphilis during pregnancy and whether she received treatment. It is also possible that a baby with congenital syphilis will not have any symptoms at birth. Since it cannot be predicted which babies will or will not develop problems, monitoring for symptoms may be recommended for any baby whose mother has syphilis or had syphilis during the pregnancy. Getting appropriate treatment for the baby quickly is important to avoid serious problems.  

Does having/getting syphilis in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

Babies with congenital syphilis can have long-term problems like learning differences, hearing loss, eye and vision problems, and developmental delay (learning skills like talking or walking later than expected).  

How can I find out during my pregnancy if my baby will be affected by syphilis?  

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some health problems related to congenital syphilis, such as slow growth, large placenta, and fluid buildup around the baby’s body. However, most babies with congenital syphilis will not show any signs of infection on ultrasound. Other problems seen with congenital syphilis, such as eye problems or learning problems, cannot be seen on ultrasound and might not be known until the child gets older.  

Amniocentesis is a procedure that removes a small amount of fluid from the baby (amniotic fluid). This fluid can sometimes be tested for the bacterium that causes syphilis. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the availability as well as the risks and benefits of having this test during pregnancy. After a baby is born, their blood can be tested for syphilis.  

Talk with your healthcare providers about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell what symptoms a child with congenital syphilis will have and how severe they may be.  

Breastfeeding while I have syphilis: 

Syphilis infection cannot be passed through breastmilk. Women with syphilis can breastfeed as long as neither the baby nor pumping equipment touches a sore. If you have sores on your breast, pump or hand-express your milk until the sores heal. Discard the breast milk only if your pump parts touch the sore during pumping.  

Penicillin, which is usually used to treat syphilis, is not expected to increase risks to a breastfeeding baby and can usually be used while breastfeeding unless you or your baby are allergic to it. If you or your baby have a penicillin allergy, your healthcare provider will go over what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Health complications from syphilis could affect a man’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). Men with syphilis can pass the syphilis infection to their partner through sexual contact, which can increase risks to a pregnancy. Men with syphilis should be treated right away. The use of protection (condom) is recommended during sex with males who have syphilis until their treatment is completed. Talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you or your partner has syphilis. 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 DEET 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 N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)? 

 

N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide or m-DET​ (DEET​) is the active ingredient in many insect ​repellents​. It is the most effective and well-studied insect repellent ingredient on the market. DEET is particularly effective in preventing mosquito bites and tick attachments. MotherToBaby has a general fact sheet on insect repellents at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/insect-repellents/.  

Most insect repellents contain ​4​-25% DEET, but some products contain up to 99% DEET. Products containing higher concentrations of DEET do not provide greater protection; they only last longer. For example, a product with 10% DEET gives approximately 2 hours of protection, while a product with 20% DEET lasts almost 4 hours. Concentrations of 50% or higher do not increase the length of protection.  

It is thought that less than 10% of the DEET applied to the body would pass through the skin and enters the bloodstream. 

What is the best way for me to use DEET?

 

Read and follow all directions and precautions on the product label. When applying DEET to the skin, you can lower the exposure by using the lowest concentration that protects you for the time you will be outdoors. Do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. DEET can also be applied to clothing (long sleeves and pants) rather than the skin.  

I just found out I am pregnant. Should I stop using DEET?

 

The benefits of using DEET during pregnancy may outweigh any possible risks. Using DEET correctly on skin or clothing protects against 90% of mosquito bites and tick attachments. DEET is the most effective protection against mosquitoes and ticks that can carry malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus and West Nile virus. Any of these diseases during pregnancy can have harmful effects on a developing baby. 

Does using DEET make it harder for me to get pregnant?

 

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

Does using DEET increase the chance for miscarriage?

 

Studies have not been done to see if DEET can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does using DEET 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 DEET, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. When used appropriately, exposure to DEET is not expected to increase the chance for birth defects. 

Most animal studies have not found an increase in birth defects even with very high levels of DEET exposure. 

One human study suggested that hypospadias (a birth defect where the opening of the penis is shifted toward the underside rather than the tip) was more common in males who were exposed to insect repellents during early pregnancy. However, the researchers asked study participants about their pregnancy exposures 2 to 6 years after the delivery of their children, making the reliability of this study low since it would be hard to remember specific exposures that long after pregnancy. There have also been case reports describing negative pregnancy outcomes following a person’s use of DEET during pregnancy, but case reports are not the same as studies, and they do not prove that the DEET exposure caused the outcomes.  

Does using DEET in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

 

When used as recommended, DEET is not expected to cause other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). A few studies have looked at the possible effects of pesticides, including DEET, on birth weight in human pregnancy. These researchers tested pesticide levels in umbilical cord blood following the infants’ birth. No association ​was found ​between DEET and lower birth weight. 

Does using DEET in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

 

A study among 449 people who used recommended doses of DEET daily during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy found no increase in problems with the babies’ growth or development in the first year of life.  

Breastfeeding and DEET:

 

​​The use of DEET during breastfeeding has not been studied. The benefits of using DEET may outweigh any possible risks. Illnesses spread by mosquitoes and ticks can have serious health effects on people who are nursing and their children. The same instructions for using DEET during pregnancy can be followed ​while​ breastfeeding. ​Avoid its use on large body surface areas and keep​ DEET away from the nipple area ​to​ help prevent the baby from getting DEET in the mouth while breastfeeding. ​Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. ​​ 

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

 

There is no evidence to suggest that using DEET would cause problems with male fertility or increase the chance of birth defects. A study of 90 males found no association between the quality of the semen and the concentration of DEET metabolites in their urine. 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 cocaine 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 cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Cocaine has been used medically as a local anesthetic (for pain). Cocaine has also been used without a prescription (misused) to get a “high” feeling. Cocaine can be inhaled through the nose, rubbed onto the gums, injected, or smoked. Some nicknames for cocaine are blow, coke, flake, and snow. Crack is powdered cocaine that has been mixed and cooked with baking soda. It is broken into chunks (rocks) and most often smoked. 

If you have been using any form of cocaine, talk with your healthcare providers right away. It is important to stop using cocaine. This must be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly (also called “cold turkey”) could cause you to go into withdrawal. It is not known if or how withdrawal might affect a pregnancy. 

I use cocaine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

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

Does using cocaine increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Using cocaine can increase the chance of miscarriage, especially when tobacco is also used. 

Does using cocaine 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 cocaine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

It is not known if cocaine can increase the chance of birth defects. Birth defects that have been reported with cocaine use in pregnancy include abnormalities of the brain, skull, face, eyes, heart, limbs, intestines, genitals, and urinary tract. However, most babies exposed to cocaine during pregnancy do not have a birth defect.  

Does using cocaine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Babies exposed to cocaine during pregnancy tend to weigh less, are born shorter in length, and have smaller heads than babies who were not exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine can also increase the chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37).  

Cocaine use can cause the placenta to pull away from the wall of the uterus before labor starts (placental abruption). This can lead to heavy bleeding and can be fatal for the person who is pregnant and/or for the pregnancy.  

If I use cocaine throughout my entire pregnancy, will it cause symptoms in my baby after birth? 

The use of cocaine during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms reported in newborns with exposure to cocaine late in pregnancy include irritability, tremors, muscle stiffness, poor feeding, trouble with sleeping, and hyperactivity at birth. Less commonly, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures have also been reported. Symptoms usually start 1 to 2 days after birth. Some of these problems might last for weeks after birth, and sometimes longer. Not all babies exposed to cocaine will have symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking cocaine so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

Does using cocaine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

Cocaine exposure in pregnancy can cause significant central nervous system problems that might not be seen until the child is older. This can include problems with attention and self-control, delays in learning, trouble processing emotions, language difficulties, and increased need for special education in school.  

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 watch 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 using cocaine:

Breastfeeding while using cocaine is not recommended. Cocaine in any form can pass into breast milk. Exposure to cocaine is serious and can cause toxicity in the nursing child. Symptoms can include irritability, choking, high blood pressure, vomiting, trouble breathing, and seizures. Never put cocaine on your nipples to treat soreness. This is extremely dangerous for the baby and is known to cause seizures. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (irritability, choking, high blood pressure, vomiting, trouble breathing, or seizures), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

It has been suggested to avoid cocaine and other substance use before conception. Using cocaine might affect sperm shape and movement, which could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant). No birth defects have been reported as a direct result of a man’s exposure to cocaine. For more general information on paternal exposures, please see the MotherToBaby paternal exposures fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to selegiline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is selegiline?

Selegiline is a medication approved to treat major depressive disorder and to help treat Parkinson’s disease. It has also been used to treat other medical conditions. It is in a class of medications known as selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type B. It is available as a skin (transdermal) patch, sold under the name Emsam®. It can also be taken by mouth (orally) and is sold under brand names such as Eldepryl® and Zelapar®.

In general, monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been avoided during pregnancy because of their side effects and interactions with other medications. However, they have been used during pregnancy when other treatments have not worked. It is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

If you and your healthcare provider decide that you should stop this medication, you should discuss the best way to stop. It might be suggested to slowly lower the amount taken (taper off) because some people can experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping monoamine oxidase inhibitors. This might include flu-like symptoms (sweating, chills, nausea, and headaches), anxiety, agitation, and trouble sleeping.

If you are taking this medication for depression, MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on depression at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy/.

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

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

Does taking selegiline 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 selegiline could increase the chance for miscarriage.

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

It is not known if taking selegiline could increase the chance of birth defects. Experimental animal studies did not find a higher chance of birth defects. Studies have not been done in humans. There are 3 case reports on women who became pregnant while being treated with selegiline and other medications. Two women stopped taking selegiline and 1 continued to use selegiline through the pregnancy; all 3 had healthy infants.

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

Studies have not been done to see if selegiline increases the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking selegiline:

Selegiline has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. There are 2 case reports of breastfeeding; no reported issues with development were reported. It is not known how much selegiline would get into breastmilk.

A product label for selegiline recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication during breastfeeding because of concerns about possible side effects in the nursing child. However, the benefits of breastfeeding and using selegiline may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using selegiline and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if selegiline could affect a man’s fertility or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.