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

What is dimethyl fumarate?

Dimethyl fumarate is a prescription medication used to treat a type of multiple sclerosis (MS) with symptoms that flare up from time to time, known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Dimethyl fumarate works by lowering inflammation and preventing the nerve damage that causes symptoms of MS. It is also sometimes used to treat plaque psoriasis. Dimethyl fumarate is sometimes abbreviated as “DMF”. It is sold under the brand name Tecfidera®.

For more information on MS and psoriasis, please see our fact sheets at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/multiple-sclerosis/ and https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/psoriasis-and-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. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if dimethyl fumarate can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies did not find an effect on female fertility (ability to get pregnant).

Does taking dimethyl fumarate increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A study of 397 pregnancies with exposure to dimethyl fumarate did not find a higher rate of miscarriage than what is expected in the general population.

Does taking dimethyl fumarate 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 dimethyl fumarate, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. In a study of pregnancies with exposure to dimethyl fumarate, there was no increase in birth defects among the 360 infants. In most cases, the medication was stopped early in the pregnancy. Smaller published reports also have not found a higher chance of birth defects following exposure to dimethyl fumarate during the month before conception and in early pregnancy.

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

It is not known if dimethyl fumarate can cause other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). Information about the use of dimethyl fumarate after the first trimester of pregnancy is limited.

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

It is not known if dimethyl fumarate increases the chance for behavior or learning issues for the child. Animal studies did not find differences in learning or behavior of animals exposed to dimethyl fumarate in pregnancy compared to animals that were not exposed.

Breastfeeding while taking dimethyl fumarate:

Dimethyl fumarate gets into breast milk in small amounts. These amounts are not expected to cause side effects for most infants. Waiting 4-5 hours after a dose of dimethyl fumarate before breastfeeding can lower the amount of medication the baby gets in the breast milk. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms such as poor weight gain, flushing, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if dimethyl fumarate could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects in a partner’s pregnancy. Animal studies showed lower sperm motility (how well the sperm can swim) only at very high doses of dimethyl fumarate. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet on paternal exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

MotherToBaby is currently conducting studies looking at multiple sclerosis and psoriasis and the medications used to treat these conditions in pregnancy. If you would like to learn more or participate, please call 1-877-311-8972 or visit https://mothertobaby.org/join-a-study-form/.

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

What is baclofen?

Baclofen is a medication that has been used to help relax some of the muscles in the body. It has been used to treat spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injuries. Baclofen has also been used to treat some cases of hiccups, autism, and alcohol use disorder. It can be taken by mouth (orally), delivered directly to the fluid around the spinal cord by a pump (intrathecal pump), or used on the skin (topically). Some brand names for baclofen are Lioresal®, Kemstro®, and Gablofen®. Topical baclofen is sold under the brand name EnorvaRX-Baclofen®.  

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. If you take baclofen regularly and then suddenly stop taking it, you could have symptoms of withdrawal. Possible withdrawal symptoms could include seizures, altered states of mind or personality changes (confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, general agitation), insomnia (not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep), dizziness, and nausea. It is not known if or how these symptoms might affect a pregnancy. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

The product label for baclofen recommends women who are pregnant use caution when using this medication during pregnancy. This is because there is not enough information available on the use of baclofen to know if it could affect a pregnancy. However, the benefit of using baclofen may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using baclofen and what treatment is best for you. 

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

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

Does taking baclofen 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 baclofen increases the chance of miscarriage. 

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

It is not known if baclofen increases the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There are several case reports of children who were exposed to baclofen during pregnancy who did not have birth defects.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if baclofen 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). 

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

The use of oral baclofen during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms might include seizures, tremors, rigidity (stiff muscles), drowsiness (being overly sleepy), dilated pupils, dry mouth, and problems feeding. Not all babies exposed to baclofen will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking baclofen so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. Withdrawal symptoms have not yet been reported in babies whose mothers were treated with baclofen by intrathecal pump. Information from one case report suggests that it takes newborns longer to clear this medication from their body than it does for adults.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if baclofen can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while taking baclofen:

Information on the use of baclofen during breastfeeding is limited. One study found that very low amounts of baclofen enter the breastmilk when baclofen is taken orally (by mouth). When baclofen is used topically or by intrathecal pump, even less of the medication is expected to pass into breastmilk. No harmful effects in nursing infants have been reported.   

If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (drowsiness, dry mouth, tremors, rigidity, or dilated pupils), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

The product label for baclofen recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. This is because there is not enough information available on the use of baclofen while breastfeeding. However, the benefit of using baclofen may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using baclofen and what treatment is best for you. 

If a man takes baclofen, 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 baclofen could affect male fertility or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.   

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This sheet is about exposure to triazolam 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 triazolam?

Triazolam is a medication that has been used to treat insomnia (having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep), and to help lower anxiety about medical procedures. Triazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. A brand name for triazolam is Halcion®.

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of an untreated condition during pregnancy.

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 some people to have withdrawal symptoms. It is not known what effects, if any, withdrawal could have on a pregnancy.

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

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

Does taking triazolam 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 triazolam increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking triazolam increase the chance of having a baby with a birth defect?

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

Triazolam has not been well studied for use in pregnancy, so it is not known if triazolam increases the chance for birth defects. Experimental animal studies did not find a higher chance for birth defects with exposure to triazolam. A report looking at women who filled at least 1 triazolam prescription found no link between triazolam and an increased chance for birth defects. Prescription based studies like this cannot tell us if the person who filled the prescription took the medication during their pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done to see if triazolam 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).

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

The use of triazolam during pregnancy might cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal and may include poor muscle tone and trouble feeding. Not all babies exposed to triazolam will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking triazolam so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking triazolam:

Triazolam has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. There is 1 case of an infant who was exposed to triazolam through breastmilk without reported side effects. Children exposed to benzodiazepines through breastfeeding should be watched for excessive drowsiness (being very sleepy and hard to wake). If you suspect the baby has any symptoms such as not being able to wake them, poor weight gain, low muscle tone (floppiness), or slowed breathing, contact the child’s healthcare provider Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if triazolam could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There is 1 case report of absence of sperm in a man taking triazolam and other medications; sperm counts returned to normal several months after stopping triazolam. A single case report cannot predict how this medication would affect sperm production in all men using the medication. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

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This sheet is about exposure to ziprasidone 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 ziprasidone? 

Ziprasidone is a medication that has been used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. Ziprasidone belongs to a group of medications called atypical antipsychotics or second-generation antipsychotics. A brand name for ziprasidone is Geodon®.  

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

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

It is not known if ziprasidone can make it harder to become pregnant. A reported side effect of ziprasidone is sexual dysfunction (problems with sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasms, or sexual pain disorders). If a woman has sexual dysfunction, it might make it harder to get pregnant. In some women, ziprasidone might increase the levels of a hormone called prolactin or cause amenorrhea (temporary absence of a menstrual cycle). High levels of prolactin can stop ovulation (part of the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases and egg). Changes in ovulation or the menstrual cycle can also make it harder to get pregnant.  

Does taking ziprasidone increase the chance of miscarriage?   

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One prescription-based study reported a slightly higher chance of miscarriage among women who filled a prescription for ziprasidone in pregnancy. Studies based on prescription records cannot tell if someone took the medication. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to the medication or other factors. Also, untreated or uncontrolled mood disorders can increase the chance of miscarriage.    

Does taking ziprasidone 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. Data on over 2,000 pregnancies exposed to ziprasidone have not reported an increased chance of birth defects. One prescription-based study with 12 women who took ziprasidone during pregnancy reported cases of polydactyly (born with extra fingers or toes). Studies based on prescription records cannot tell if someone took the medication. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to the medication or other factors. 

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

It is not known if ziprasidone 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). In a study of 34 pregnancies exposed to ziprasidone, no increased chance of infants being small or large for gestational age was reported. In another study of 18 exposed pregnancies, no increased chance for low birth weight, short birth length, or small head size was noted. 

I need to take ziprasidone during my 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. It is unknown if taking ziprasidone could increase the chance of withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Similar medications have been associated with a chance for withdrawal symptoms. Babies who were exposed to ziprasidone near delivery can be monitored for symptoms such as stiff or floppy muscle tone, drowsiness, agitation, tremors, trouble breathing, and problems with feeding. If a baby develops symptoms, in most cases, the symptoms are expected to go away in a few days without long term health effects. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking ziprasidone so that if symptoms occur, your baby can get the care that is best for them.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if ziprasidone can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. There are a few case reports of healthy children with typical development after being exposed to ziprasidone during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding while taking ziprasidone: 

Based on the limited data, ziprasidone gets into breast milk in small amounts. There is one case report of a woman who took ziprasidone 40 mg and citalopram 60 mg throughout the pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The breastfed baby was reported to be healthy and developing well at age 6 months old. Until more information is available, babies who are breastfed while their mother is taking ziprasidone should be watched for signs like being very sleepy, getting upset easily, not feeding well, shaking, or unusual muscle movements. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

There are no well-controlled studies in men exposed to ziprasidone to see if it could affect male fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.  

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

What is alprazolam? 

Alprazolam is a medication that has been used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, including anxiety associated with depression. It is in a class of medication called benzodiazepines. Alprazolam has been sold under the brand names Xanax®, Niravam®, or Gabazolamine-0.5®. 

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. If you take this medication regularly and then suddenly stop taking it, you could have withdrawal symptoms. Some reported withdrawal symptoms include seizures and rebound anxiety. Also, untreated anxiety and depression can increase risks to a pregnancy. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.  

MotherToBaby has sheets on anxiety https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/anxiety-fact/ and depression https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy/.  

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

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

Does taking alprazolam increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is unlikely that alprazolam would greatly increase the chance of miscarriage.   

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

Most studies on alprazolam use in the first trimester have not reported an increased chance of birth defects. Two reports that looked at prescription records reported a higher chance for heart defects if a prescription for alprazolam was filled during pregnancy. Studies based on prescription records cannot tell if a person took the medication, so it is hard to know if the outcomes are related to the medication or other factors. Overall, an increased chance of birth defects has not been proven.  

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

Some studies have suggested that alprazolam might increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500g] at birth). Other studies have not found this association.  

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

The use of benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms can include trouble regulating body temperature, trouble breathing, low energy, poor feeding, and vomiting. Most often, symptoms start soon after birth and last several days. Not all babies exposed to alprazolam will have symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking alprazolam so that if symptoms occur, your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if alprazolam can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. 

Breastfeeding while taking alprazolam:   

Alprazolam gets into breast milk. While it is possible to breastfeed while taking alprazolam, a different medication might be preferred. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (being too sleepy, poor feeding, and poor weight gain), contact the child’s healthcare provider. After a single dose of alprazolam, there is usually no need to wait to breastfeed.  

The product label for alprazolam recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But the benefit of treating your condition and breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks of taking alprazolam. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using alprazolam and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

There is 1 report of a man who had delayed ejaculation and impotence (trouble with getting and keeping an erection) while taking alprazolam. One small study found lower sperm motility (movement) in those taking psychotropic medications (including alprazolam) compared to men who did not take psychotropic medication. These issues might make it harder to conceive a pregnancy. In general, exposures that men or sperm donors have are less likely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more general information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/ 

Please click here for references.