This sheet is about exposure to capsaicin 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 capsaicin? 

Capsaicin is the part of peppers (Solanaceae family, capsicum genus) that makes your mouth feel hot. Capsaicin has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food and candy. It has been used in some cosmetics, to treat nausea/vomiting, and is the main ingredient in pepper spray used for defense.  

Capsaicin has been used in topical (applied to the skin) form to treat pain. Some brand names for topical preparations include Capazasin®, Qutenza®, and Zostrix®. It has also been given as an injection in the foot to help treat pain from Morton’s neuroma (a nerve condition of the foot). 

Capsaicin has been sold in oral forms (such as pills and capsules) as an herbal supplement. The use of herbal products is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless under the direction and care of your healthcare provider to treat a medical condition. For more information about herbal products, please see our fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/.   

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if using capsaicin can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies did not report that capsaicin affected female fertility (ability to get pregnant).  

Does taking capsaicin 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 capsaicin can increase the chance of miscarriage.  

Does taking capsaicin 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 capsaicin, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done in humans to see if capsaicin can increase the chance of birth defects. Animal studies do not suggest that capsaicin increases the chance of birth defects.  One case reported that the use of a capsaicin patch by a woman during pregnancy with no health problems in the one-year-old baby.  

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if capsaicin 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). One animal study suggested that capsaicin might affect growth of the developing fetus.  

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking capsaicin: 

Capsaicin has not been studied for use while breastfeeding. There is a report of two breastfed infants who developed skin rashes when they nursed 12 and 15 hours after the woman who was breastfeeding ate foods that were flavored with red pepper. The skin reactions in the nursing infants slowly went away over several days. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as a rash), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if capsaicin could affect a man’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increase the chance of birth defects. Animal studies do not suggest that capsaicin could affect male fertility. 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 remdesivir in pregnancy and 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 remdesivir?

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that has been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It has also been used to treat Ebola virus infections. Remdesivir is sold under the brand name Veklury®.

Having a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can increase the chance of having severe symptoms and pregnancy-related problems. For more information about COVID-19, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/covid-19/.

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

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

Does taking remdesivir increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if remdesivir can increase the chance of miscarriage. In studies with a total of 150 pregnancies, no increased chance of miscarriage was reported.

Does taking remdesivir 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 remdesivir, can increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. There are no human studies looking at the chance of birth defects with remdesivir use in pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown an increased chance of birth defects.

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

Reports of 70 women who were treated with remdesivir for COVID-19 infections in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy found a higher chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), and cesarean section. However, these women were very sick with COVID-19. Also, preterm delivery has been associated with COVID-19 infection in pregnancy. It is not known if these outcomes were due to the COVID-19 illness, the medication, or other factors. Another small study did not find an increased chance of preterm delivery with the use of remdesivir.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking remdesivir:

Remdesivir passes into breast milk in small amounts. Nursing infants are not likely to absorb large amounts of the medication from milk. Remdesivir is approved to be given to children older than 28 days to treat Ebola and COVID-19 infections. No side effects have been reported in the children prescribed remdesivir or in the reports of children exposed to remdesivir through breast milk. If you suspect the baby has symptoms (such as diarrhea, rash, decreased urination, or dizziness), contact the child’s healthcare provider.

The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been found to pass through breast milk. There are no reported cases of infants getting COVID-19 through breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages women to continue to breastfeed or provide breast milk for their babies even if they have a viral infection like COVID-19. There are antibodies in breast milk that might help prevent a baby from getting sick with COVID-19.

Women with COVID-19 might feel too sick to breastfeed. The CDC recommends continuing to express milk when possible.

While sick, it is important to try to protect the baby from getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and water before holding your baby. Avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby. Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw away the tissue and wash your hands. While you are ill, you might want to consider having someone who is not sick help you care for your baby. If you think your baby has symptoms of COVID-19, contact your child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if remdesivir could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman 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 prilocaine 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 prilocaine?

Prilocaine is a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics are medications used to numb areas of the body for short periods of time. Prilocaine is given by injection (a shot) during some dental procedures and for surgical procedures on other areas of the body, such as the foot.

Prilocaine is also available in combination with another medication called lidocaine as a topical cream (used on the skin). The brand name for this topical medication is EMLA®. For more information on lidocaine, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/lidocaine/.

Some people have developed methemoglobinemia (a condition where the blood cannot carry enough oxygen) after using prilocaine. While it can happen to anyone, some people might be more at risk than others. Most people recover well with treatment. Talk with your healthcare providers about using prilocaine and any risks specific to you.

I was given prilocaine for a procedure. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Studies have not been done in humans to see if prilocaine can make it harder to get pregnant. One animal study reported that prilocaine did not affect fertility (ability to get pregnant).

Does prilocaine 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 prilocaine can increase the chance of miscarriage.

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if prilocaine can increase the chance of birth defects. Information from animal studies does not suggest that prilocaine would significantly increase the chance of birth defects.

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

Studies have not been done to see if prilocaine 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).

There are case reports of methemoglobinemia in the newborns of some people who received high doses of prilocaine during pregnancy.

Does prilocaine affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

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

Breastfeeding while using prilocaine:

Prilocaine has not been well studied for use while breastfeeding. Based on information about similar medications, receiving a single dose of prilocaine during breastfeeding is unlikely to cause side effects in a breastfed infant. If he person who is breastfeeding uses prilocaine topically, it is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant if applied away from the breast. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if prilocaine 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 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 to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to guanfacine 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 guanfacine? 

Guanfacine is a medication approved to treat high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has also been used for Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome, opioid withdrawal and sedation weaning (decreasing the amount of sedative medications someone is exposed to) in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Some brand names for guanfacine are Estulic®, Intuniv® and Tenex®.  

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. If you have been taking this medication regularly, you should not stop taking it suddenly. If you do plan to stop this medication, it should be stopped slowly under the care of your healthcare provider. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if guanfacine could make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies did not find that guanfacine affected fertility (ability to get pregnant). 

Does taking guanfacine 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 guanfacine could increase the chance of miscarriage. 

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

Guanfacine has not been well studied. In a small study of 30 pregnancies, no birth defects were reported after exposure to guanfacine. Animal studies also did not show an increased chance of birth defects. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if guanfacine 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). One study looked at the pregnancies of 30 women who were given guanfacine to treat preeclampsia (high blood pressure and problems with organs, such as the kidneys),which can lead to seizures (called eclampsia).. They did not find changes in the fetal heart rate during pregnancy. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking guanfacine:  

Guanfacine has not been studied for use in breastfeeding. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to treat your medical condition while breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if guanfacine 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 atenolol 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 atenolol?

Atenolol is a medication that has been used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and heart rhythm issues (arrhythmias). It has also been used to treat, prevent, and improve survival after a heart attack. It belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. A brand name for atenolol is Tenormin^®.

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

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

Does taking atenolol 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 atenolol increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking atenolol increase the chance of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Studies have not been done to see if atenolol increases the chance of birth defects. Studies on the use of beta-blockers in general during pregnancy have not reported an increased chance of birth defects.

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

Atenolol has been linked with reduced growth of the fetus (smaller in size and/or low birth weight). It is not clear if this happens because of the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors. One study did find that atenolol can directly affect blood flow through the placenta, which might be linked with poor growth of the fetus, causing low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

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

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

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 track 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 taking atenolol:

Atenolol passes into breastmilk. There have been reports of babies with slow heart rate, low blood pressure, a bluish color in the skin due to a lack of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis), and low body temperature after being exposed to atenolol through breast milk. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (slow heart rate, low blood pressure, a bluish color in the skin, lips, or fingernails) contact the child’s healthcare provider.

The product label for atenolol recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But, the benefit of using atenolol may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using atenolol 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 atenolol, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Atenolol may lower the amount of testosterone and cause erectile dysfunction, which could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). Also, men with conditions like hypertension may have problems with fertility. 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/.

Please click here for references.