This sheet is about having hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? 

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to form under the skin. The lumps usually develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts. The lumps tend to heal slowly. They also tend to keep coming back (recur). This can lead to tunnels under the skin and scarring. Hidradenitis suppurativa is sometimes called HS. HS has also been called acne inversa. 

HS symptoms might stay the same, become better, or become worse during pregnancy. Following pregnancy, some women with HS have reported that their symptoms can be worse in the postpartum period (up to 8 weeks after childbirth). 

I have HS. What should I talk about with my healthcare team before I get pregnant? 

It is important to talk with your healthcare team (including your obstetrician and dermatologist) about plans for treating HS before and during pregnancy, during delivery, and after delivery. If possible, talk with your healthcare team before getting pregnant. Things to talk about with your healthcare team include: 

• Ways to monitor your pregnancy and your HS symptoms

• Any medications you should take during pregnancy

• Any other questions or concerns you have

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

This has not been well studied. It is not known if having HS can make it harder to get pregnant. One study has suggested that HS might be linked to infertility in females.  

Does having HS increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if HS can increase the chance of miscarriage. Some studies have not found an association between HS and miscarriage. Other studies have suggested that there might be a higher chance of miscarriage among women with HS. Since there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if a medication, the medical condition, or other factors (age, health, other exposures) were the cause of a miscarriage in these studies. 

Does having HS 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 HS, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. It is not known if HS can increase the chance of birth defects because this has not been well studied.  

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

HS has been linked to a greater chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) in some studies. One study has also suggested a possible increased chance of stillbirth.  

Studies have reported that people with HS have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure. This could also affect a pregnancy for women with HS, as high blood pressure and preeclampsia (a pregnancy related condition that can include high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys) have been reported.  

Gestational diabetes and bleeding after delivery (post-partum hemorrhage) have also been reported to be more common among women with HS. One article reported a higher chance for postpartum sepsis (infection that happens after childbirth that can lead to organ failure).  

It is hard to know from the way these studies were done if these findings could also be related to a medication, a different medical condition, or other exposures (such as age, smoking, or obesity). 

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

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

Breastfeeding with HS: 

Most women with HS can breastfeed if they desire. Some females with HS might have a harder time with lactation if their HS is affecting the breast glands that secrete breastmilk, or if an HS flare affects their nipple/areola area of the breast.  

If you have questions about medications used to treat HS, please reach out to MotherToBaby with your specific treatment. Be sure to talk to your healthcare providers about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

It is not known if HS can affect male fertility. One study did not report a lower chance of fertility, while another study suggested a higher chance of erectile dysfunction, which could make it harder to get a partner pregnant. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at medications used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more, please call 1-877-311-8972 or visit our study page at:  https://mothertobaby.org/join-study/. 

Please click here for references.

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

Amlodipine is a medication that has been used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. A brand name for amlodipine is Norvasc®.

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.

Women who are pregnant and have high blood pressure have a greater chance of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys) that can lead to seizures (called eclampsia). High blood pressure can increase the chance for medical complications for the woman who is pregnant and for the pregnancy.

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

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

Does taking amlodipine 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 amlodipine can increase the chance of miscarriage. One study looking at 78 women who took calcium channel blockers did not find a higher chance of miscarriage.

Does taking amlodipine 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. Information on the use of amlodipine in pregnancy is very limited. Most available information on the use of calcium channel blockers as a group in human pregnancy does not suggest an increased chance of birth defects.

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

One study comparing amlodipine to nifedipine (a similar medication) found no difference in the chance of other pregnancy related problems, including need for a c-section section, preterm delivery (birth before week 37), placental abruption (when the placenta pulls away from the wall of the uterus before labor starts), or growth restriction (babies that are smaller than usual). Available data on the use of calcium channel blockers as a group does not suggest an increased chance of pregnancy complications.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy has been associated with growth restriction and a higher chance of preterm delivery.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking amlodipine:

Information on the use of amlodipine in breastfeeding is limited. The amount of amlodipine in milk is usually low and side effects in breastfed infants have not been reported.

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

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

Studies have not been done to see if amlodipine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) 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/.

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to sunless tanners 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 are sunless tanners? 

Sunless tanners, also called self-tanners, are often creams or lotions that darken your skin to give it a “tan” without sun exposure. The main ingredient is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), usually made from plants like sugar beets or sugar cane. (This DHA is different from the omega-3 fatty acid with the same abbreviation.) 

Tanning pills (taken by mouth) are considered unsafe according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Some tanning pills have a color additive called canthaxanthin. Taking too much can turn your skin orange or brown and can also cause serious health problems, like liver damage, hives, and an eye condition that affects your retinas. Tanning shots (injections under the skin) are not legally available in the United States.  

Sunless tanners do not protect your skin from the sun, so it is important to use sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors. 

Sunless tanners are cosmetics. How are cosmetics checked for safety in the United States? 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review cosmetics for safety and effectiveness the same way it does medications. Companies that make or sell cosmetics are responsible for making sure their products are safe, but the FDA does not require specific safety testing. There is also no requirement to test cosmetic products for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because of this, there is usually little medical information to help women choose between cosmetic products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 

However, color additives such as DHA must be approved by the FDA. The FDA approved DHA as a tanning ingredient in the United States in the 1970s. This approval does not specifically address use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. DHA is approved only for use on the outside of the body. It is not approved for use near the eyes or lips, or for inhalation, because there is not enough safety data for these types of exposure. 

Are sunless tanners absorbed into my bloodstream if I am using them on my skin? 

When medication is taken by mouth or swallowing, it is likely to get into the blood, where it can then possibly cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. With most topical products, the skin serves as a good barrier, so it is not expected that a large amount of the product would get into the blood. This is especially true when the topical product is used on small areas of the body, infrequently, or on healthy (non-broken) skin. 

Laboratory models suggest when DHA is placed on the skin, less than 1% of DHA is absorbed into the bloodstream. That means, only very small amounts, if any, of DHA are expected to be able to reach the fetus. 

Most over-the-counter sunless tanning products contain 3–5% DHA, although products marketed for a darker tan or for professional use may contain higher concentrations. The FDA has approved DHA for external use at concentrations up to 15%. 

There are no studies measuring how much of the other ingredients in sunless tanners are absorbed through the skin. These products may also contain moisturizers, bronzers, fragrances, vitamins, and preservatives. In general, absorption of ingredients from skin products is likely to be lower when applied to healthy skin, used infrequently, or applied to small areas of the body. 

What about using booths, which spray sunless tanner on me? 

It is possible that if you are inhaling the sunless tanning spray fumes in tanning booths, or applying the product to mucous membranes, more of the DHA could get into your system and result in higher blood levels.  

The FDA has not approved the use of DHA in tanning booths. Avoid using it near body openings or mucous membranes (such as eyes, eyelids, mouth, lips, nose or ears). This may be hard to avoid when using a spray tanning booth. The FDA recommends that any person using these booths asks for protective measures to cover the eyes, mouth and nose.  

I use sunless tanners. Can they make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

Studies have not been done to see if sunless tanners can make it harder to get pregnant.   

Does using sunless tanners 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 sunless tanners can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does using sunless tanners 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 sunless tanners, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done to see if sunless tanners can increase the chance of birth defects.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if sunless tanners 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).  

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

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

Breastfeeding while using sunless tanners: 

There are no studies on the use of sunless tanners during breastfeeding. Only very small amounts of DHA applied to the skin are expected to enter the bloodstream and pass into breast milk. Absorption is likely even lower when the product is used on healthy skin, applied infrequently, or used on small areas of the body.  

If using these products while breastfeeding, avoid applying them to the breast or any area that could come into direct contact with your baby’s skin before the product has completely dried. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if sunless tanners could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) 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 meningococcal vaccines 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 meningococcal disease?

 

Meningococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcemia (infections of the blood). Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include a sudden onset of headache, fever, and stiff neck. A person may also seem confused, have increased sensitivity to light, experience nausea and/or vomiting, or develop a rash. If you think you have a meningococcal disease, it is important to get appropriate care as soon as possible. 

There are two main types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Several types of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. MotherToBaby has fact sheet on some of these bacteria:  

• Group B Strep Infections: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/group-b-strep-gbs-infections/ 
• Listeria Infection: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/listeriosis-pregnancy/ 
• Escherichia coli: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/e-coli-pregnancy/  

Bacterial meningitis can be passed through contact with a sick person’s saliva or spit (such as through coughing or kissing). Factors such as where people work, live, and travel can increase the chance for meningococcal disease. For example, people who live together in groups (such as people in the military or students who live in a dormitory setting) are at increased risk.  

What are meningococcal vaccines? 

 

Meningococcal vaccines provide protection against some of the meningococcal bacteria that cause disease. These vaccines do not contain live bacteria that could cause meningococcal disease. There are 3 types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States:  

• Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menveo®, and MenQuadfi®), which help protect against bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, C, W, and Y. 
• Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines (Bexsero® and Trumenba®), which help protect against bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: B. 
• Pentavalent or MenABCWY vaccine (Penbraya™), which help protect against bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, B, C, W, and Y.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that women who are pregnant and who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines.  

The CDC states that MenB vaccines should be postponed in women known to be pregnant unless they are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about your risk for meningococcal disease and the benefits of getting a vaccine.   

There is an outbreak of meningococcal disease in my area. Should I get vaccinated even though I am pregnant? 

 

Meningococcal disease is a very serious condition. If someone is at risk to get the disease it is recommended that they get the vaccine, whether they are pregnant or not. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of meningococcal disease and getting a meningococcal vaccine.  

I just got a meningococcal vaccine. How long should I wait until I get pregnant? 

 

The meningococcal vaccines do not contain live bacteria that could cause meningococcal disease. There is no recommended waiting time after getting the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.  

I received a meningococcal vaccine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

 

There is no information to suggest that receiving a meningococcal vaccine can make it harder to get pregnant.  

Does getting a meningococcal vaccine increase the chance for miscarriage?

 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. While the data are limited, reviews of reports of vaccination during pregnancy do not suggest an increased chance of miscarriage from meningococcal vaccines. 

Does getting a meningococcal vaccine increase the chance of birth defects?

 

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like a meningococcal vaccine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Available information does not suggest that getting a meningococcal vaccine during pregnancy can increase the chance of birth defects.  

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

 

One study did not find differences in pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), being small for gestational age (smaller in size than usual), C-sections, or stillbirth between those who were vaccinated with MenA conjugate vaccine during pregnancy and those who were not vaccinated. 

Does getting a meningococcal vaccine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

 

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

Breastfeeding after getting a meningococcal vaccine:

 

The CDC states that women at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease who are breastfeeding may get MenB vaccines. Women who are breastfeeding may get a MenABCWY vaccine if they are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease AND serogroup B meningococcal disease. Before getting either meningococcal vaccine while breastfeeding, women should talk to their healthcare provider to review the risks of meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

 

Studies have not been done to see if meningococcal vaccines 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 deucravacitinib 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 deucravacitinib?

Deucravacitinib is a medication that has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. A brand name for deucravacitinib is Sotyktu®. MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/psoriasis-and-pregnancy/.  

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

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

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

Does taking deucravacitinib 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 deucravacitinib can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

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

Human pregnancy studies have not been done to see if deucravacitinib can increase the chance of birth defects. Experimental animal studies done by the manufacturer did not find an increased chance of birth defects. 

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

It is not known if deucravacitinib 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). 

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

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

Can my baby receive live vaccines before one year of age if I take deucravacitinib while pregnant?

Since deucravacitinib might suppress the immune system of the person taking it, there is a theoretical (not proven) concern that the same thing could happen to the baby if they are exposed during pregnancy. If someone has a weakened immune system, they might be more likely to develop an infection from a “live” vaccine. Live vaccines contain a small amount of live virus. In the United States, rotavirus is the only live vaccine routinely given in the first year of life. Inactivated vaccines do not contain live virus, so they cannot cause the disease they protect against. Most people can get inactivated vaccines in the first year of life.  

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

Breastfeeding while taking deucravacitinib:

Deucravacitinib has not been studied for use while breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if deucravacitinib could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase 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/.  

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at deucravacitinib and other medications used in pregnancy. If you are interested in taking part in this study, please call 1-877-311-8972 or sign up at https://mothertobaby.org/join-study/.

Please click here for references.