This sheet is about exposure to cetirizine 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 cetirizine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are medications that have been used to treat symptoms of allergies, like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Cetirizine is sold over the counter under brand names including Zyrtec® and Reactine®.

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 cetirizine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

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

Does taking cetirizine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Several small studies done on the use of cetirizine during pregnancy did not find a higher chance of miscarriage.

Does taking cetirizine 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 cetirizine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies involving over 1,300 pregnancies exposed to cetirizine did not show an increased chance of birth defects.

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

Studies on a small number of pregnancies did not find a higher 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 taking cetirizine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

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

Breastfeeding while taking cetirizine:

Cetirizine gets into breast milk in small amounts. Most reports show no problems for babies who are exposed to cetirizine through breast milk. Compared to some other antihistamines, cetirizine is thought to have a lower chance of causing drowsiness for the breastfeeding woman and the nursing baby. For this reason, cetirizine may be preferred for breastfeeding over other antihistamines that cause sleepiness. With repeated use, babies can be checked for signs of being too sleepy (hard to wake up). If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider.

It has been suggested that use of an antihistamine might lower the amount of breast milk made by a woman’s body, but this has not been proven.

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

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

One report suggested that long-term use of antihistamines like cetirizine might lower sperm counts. Low sperm counts might lower a man’s fertility (ability 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 exposure to benzocaine 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 benzocaine?

Benzocaine is a topical local anesthetic. Local anesthetics are used to numb specific areas of the body for short periods of time. Benzocaine can be found in some over the counter pain relieving products, including Anbesol®, Orabase®, Orajel®, Hurricaine®, and Topex®. 

Are topical medications absorbed through the skin?

In general, the skin serves as a good barrier, so only a small amount of the medication is likely to be absorbed with topical exposure. More of the active ingredients can be absorbed into the person’s blood stream if the skin is broken or irritated and when it is used over a large area of the skin. The more times the medication is applied on the skin, more can be absorbed. The amount of the medication that can reach the developing fetus by absorption through the skin is usually much lower than with medications taken by mouth. 

Benzocaine has not been well-studied for use in pregnancy. When used as directed, very little benzocaine is expected to be absorbed. That means it is unlikely that a significant amount would reach the developing fetus, and that the chance of birth defects or other pregnancy complications is expected to be low. 

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

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

Does using benzocaine 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 benzocaine can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does using benzocaine 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 benzocaine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Two reports did not find a greater chance of birth defects in children of women who reported using benzocaine in the first trimester of pregnancy.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if benzocaine 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 benzocaine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

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

Breastfeeding while using benzocaine:

Benzocaine has not been well studied for use during breastfeeding. It is not recommended to apply benzocaine to the breasts or nipples because of the risk for a serious blood disorder if the baby ingests it. However, if benzocaine is not applied to these areas and the baby does not get it in their mouth, then topical benzocaine use is unlikely to affect a baby who is breastfed. Wash hands well after using benzocaine. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if benzocaine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a 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 onabotulinumtoxinA 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 onabotulinumtoxinA? 

OnabotulinumtoxinA (formerly called botulinum toxin type A) has been used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, muscle spasms or stiffness, eye muscle conditions (such as crossed eyes, eyelid twitching), and urinary leakage. It is also used cosmetically to reduce the look of wrinkles. It is injected into the skin or muscle. Some brand names include Botox® or Botox Cosmetic®, and Oculinum®. 

There are also other forms of botulinum toxin that are used for cosmetic and medical reasons. Some brands names are Dysport®, Xeomin®. These products have not been studied for use in pregnancy. It is not known how the information about using these products might be the same or different from the information about using onabotulinumtoxinA. 

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 untreated illness during pregnancy. 

I get onabotulinumtoxinA treatments, but I would like to stop before becoming pregnant. How long does the drug stay in my body? 

The time it takes the body to metabolize (to process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it has been suggested that onabotulinumtoxinA stays in the body for about 4-6 months.  

I get onabotulinumtoxinA treatments. Can they make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

It is not known if onabotulinumtoxinA can make it harder to get pregnant. Because onabotulinumtoxinA does not appear to get into the bloodstream, it is not expected to affect the ability to get pregnant. 

Does getting onabotulinumtoxinA treatments increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A report from the manufacturer did not find an increased chance for miscarriage. Other studies have not been done to see if onabotulinumtoxinA increases the chance of miscarriage. Because onabotulinumtoxinA does not appear to get into the bloodstream, it is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does getting onabotulinumtoxinA treatments 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 onabotulinumtoxinA, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

A limited number of research studies did not report an increased chance of birth defects with onabotulinumtoxinA treatments during pregnancy. A report from the manufacturer, which included pregnancies exposed to onabotulinumtoxinA either during pregnancy or a few months before getting pregnant, did not report an increased chance of birth defects. Because onabotulinumtoxinA does not appear to get into the bloodstream, it is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. 

Does getting onabotulinumtoxinA treatments in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

Studies have not been done to see if onabotulinumtoxinA 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). A report from the manufacturer did not find a higher chance of preterm delivery. Because onabotulinumtoxinA does not appear to get into the bloodstream, it is not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems. 

Does getting onabotulinumtoxinA treatments in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

Studies have not been done to see if onabotulinumtoxinA can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Because onabotulinumtoxinA does not appear to get into the bloodstream, it is not expected to increase the chance of effects on behavior or learning in the child. 

Breastfeeding while getting onabotulinumtoxinA treatments: 

OnabotulinumtoxinA is not expected to pass into breast milk. Limited research studies on cosmetic injections of onabotulinumtoxinA while breastfeeding did not detect onabotulinumtoxinA in breast milk. In breastfed children whose mothers were getting onabotulinumtoxinA injections, no side effects were reported.  Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

If a man gets onabotulinumtoxinA treatments, could it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Studies have not been done to see if onabotulinumtoxinA could affect a man’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) 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.  

This sheet is about exposure to metoclopramide 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 metoclopramide? 

Metoclopramide is a medication that has been used to treat certain stomach conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (when stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus), gastric stasis (when the stomach empties food more slowly than normal), nausea and vomiting, and to increase the amount of milk the body makes while breastfeeding. It has been sold under brand names such as Reglan®, Maxolon® or Metozolv ODT®.  

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 nausea and vomiting, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/.  

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

It is not known if metoclopramide can affect fertility (ability to get pregnant). There have been some reports of menstrual problems and galactorrhea (milk production that is not related to breastfeeding) with metoclopramide use. These issues might make it harder to get pregnant.   

Does taking metoclopramide increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A small number of studies did not find an increased chance of miscarriage with metoclopramide use in pregnancy. 

Does taking metoclopramide 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 metoclopramide, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Taking metoclopramide during pregnancy has not been shown to increase the chance of birth defects. 

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

Taking metoclopramide has not been shown 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). 

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

It is not known if metoclopramide can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. One study has reported an increased chance of attention deficit hyperactive disorder or other neurodevelopmental delays, but it had important limitations. Also, 1 study alone is not enough to make firm conclusions.  

Breastfeeding while taking metoclopramide: 

Metoclopramide passes into breast milk in varied amounts, but the amount ingested by a breastfed child is expected to be low. Most reports have not reported side effects in nursing infants. In rare cases, gastrointestinal issues such as stomach discomfort or gas have been reported. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider.  

Metoclopramide is sometimes used to try and increase milk supply (called a galactagogue). Studies looking at whether metoclopramide increases milk production are limited, and results of these studies have been mixed. Overall, it is not known if taking metoclopramide will help to increase your milk supply. If you are having trouble with milk production, talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.   

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

Studies have not been done to see if metoclopramide 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 Salmonella in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on available research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium. There are many different types of Salmonella bacteria that can cause someone to get sick. People who have weakened immune systems, along with young children and older adults, are more likely to get sick from Salmonella.

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramping. These symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after being infected. People who get a Salmonella infection could feel sick for 4 to 7 days. An infection might be serious enough to need treatment in a hospital. There is no vaccination that will prevent a Salmonella infection.

How do you get Salmonella?

Foods are the most common source of a Salmonella infection. To lower your chance of getting a Salmonella infection, it is important to fully cook eggs and meat before eating. Raw fruits and vegetables, as well as unpasteurized milk and dairy products, can also be a source of Salmonella. Fruits and vegetables should be well-washed whether cooked or eaten raw. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk (also called raw milk) or eating any foods made with unpasteurized milk. Products contaminated by Salmonella are listed on several websites including https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html and https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm.

Handling or coming into contact with animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and birds can also increase the chance of getting a Salmonella infection. These animals leave behind the bacteria that can potentially spread to humans who clean their aquariums or terrariums. Bacteria can be found on healthy animals and does not usually make the animals sick. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling these animals. Proper handling of animals and their living spaces will greatly lower your chance of getting infected with Salmonella. Information on animals that carry Salmonella bacteria can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/spread/index.html.

How can I find out if I have Salmonella?

If you think you have Salmonella, talk to your healthcare providers. To test for Salmonella, your healthcare provider takes a stool sample (a sample of your poop) and sends it to a lab for testing.

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

It is not known if a Salmonella infection can make it harder to get pregnant.

Does having/getting Salmonella during pregnancy increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. There are case reports of Salmonella bacteria causing an infection of the amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy). While rare, this can lead to miscarriage.

Does having/getting Salmonella 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 Salmonella infection, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Available data does not suggest an increased chance of birth defects due to Salmonella infection.

Would having/getting Salmonella increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Studies have not been done to see if Salmonella 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).

In about 4% of cases (4 in 100), Salmonella can cause bacteremia, a condition where there are bacteria enters the bloodstream and can lead to serious illness or even death in the woman who is pregnant, as well as death of the fetus.

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

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

Can Salmonella pass to the baby during pregnancy or at the time of delivery?

When a woman is pregnant and passes an infection to the fetus, it is called vertical transmission. Vertical transmission has been reported with Salmonella infection in pregnancy. Vertical transmission can happen at any time in pregnancy but is more likely to happen when someone gets the infection close to delivery.

Babies born with Salmonella infection can have sepsis (a blood infection) or develop meningitis. Meningitis is a condition where there are areas of swelling around the brain and spinal cord in the baby. If not treated promptly, the effects of meningitis can lead to long-term problems for some children.

Breastfeeding with a Salmonella infection:

There is 1 report of Salmonella bacteria passing into breast milk. In most cases, breastfeeding does not need to stop if the woman who is breastfeeding has Salmonella. If you have or are being treated for a Salmonella infection, talk to your healthcare provider and your child’s pediatrician. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man has a Salmonella infection, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if Salmonella could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. Salmonella infection can be passed from person to person. If infected, wash your hands thoroughly and often to lower the chance of passing a Salmonella infection to others. If your partner has a Salmonella infection, talk with your healthcare provider. For general information on paternal exposures, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.