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

What is mumps? 

Mumps is a viral infection caused by a virus called Orthorubulavirus parotitidis (sometimes also simply called the mumps virus). 

What are the symptoms of mumps? 

Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is caused by swollen salivary glands. Your salivary glands make saliva to help you swallow and digest food. This swelling can happen on 1 or both sides of the lower face/jaw and can last for up to 10 days. 

Other symptoms of mumps can begin a few days before the swelling. Other symptoms include fever, headache, earache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.  

Some people who get mumps might have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. People without symptoms can still spread the mumps virus to others.  

Some people can develop other health problems, including orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), encephalitis (infection in the brain), meningitis (infection in the covering of the brain or spinal cord), or hearing loss. 

For most people, symptoms of mumps usually start 16 to 18 days after being exposed to the mumps virus, but a range of 12 to 25 days has been reported.  

How do you get mumps?  

Mumps is very contagious. People can spread the virus before they start to have symptoms. 

The mumps virus spreads from person to person after direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets. Direct contact can also happen from touching objects (such as doorknobs) that have saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person on them. 

How can I reduce my chances of getting mumps?  

The best way to protect yourself against mumps is to be vaccinated. MotherToBaby has a sheet on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine/. Since live vaccines (like MMR) should not be given during pregnancy, it’s important to make sure you are up to date with vaccination before getting pregnant or after delivery. 

Other ways to reduce your chances of getting mumps are to 

• avoid others who are sick with the illness,  

• avoid crowded areas if a mumps outbreak is taking place near you 

• wash your hands well with soap and water,  

• encourage other people living in the home to be vaccinated.  

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

There are some reports that a mumps infection can cause inflammation in the ovaries (oophoritis). Ovaries are the organs where eggs are stored and released. Oophoritis might make it harder to get pregnant.  

Does having mumps increase the chance of miscarriage? 

This has not been well-studied. Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Human case reports have suggested that infection with mumps during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does having mumps 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 getting mumps might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Having mumps is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects.  

Fever is a possible symptom of mumps. A high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects. Acetaminophen has been recommended to reduce fever in pregnancy. If you get sick with mumps and develop a fever, talk with your healthcare provider to confirm if taking acetaminophen is okay for you. For more information about fever and acetaminophen, see the MotherToBaby fact sheets https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hyperthermia-pregnancy/ and https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/acetaminophen-pregnancy/.  

Does having mumps increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems? 

This is not well-studied. Human case reports have suggested that having mumps during pregnancy might increase the chance of stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks). A mumps infection near the time of delivery might also increase the chance of the baby being born with the infection, although this is thought to be rare. 

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

It is not known if having mumps in pregnancy increases the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while I have mumps: 

The mumps virus has been found in breastmilk, but it is not known if mumps can be spread to a baby through breast milk. If you have mumps, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent the spread of illness to your breastfed baby. If you suspect that your baby has any symptoms of mumps, contact the child’s healthcare provider right away. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

If a man has mumps he can pass the virus to a pregnant woman through close contact. Males who have orchitis (inflammation of the testicles, a side effect of mumps in some males) can have lower fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). This lower fertility is usually temporary, but there are some reports of it lasting. One study did not find an increased chance for birth defects in the offspring of men who had mumps orchitis. 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 apremilast 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 apremilast?

Apremilast is a prescription medication that has been used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral (mouth) ulcers associated with Behcet’s disease. A brand name of apremilast is Otezla®. For information about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at: 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 apremilast. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if apremilast can make it harder to get pregnant. However, animal studies have not shown a negative effect on fertility.

Does taking apremilast increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies in humans have not been done to see if apremilast increases the chance of miscarriage. Animal studies found a greater chance of miscarriage with higher doses of apremilast than what is used in humans.

Does taking apremilast increase the chance of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Studies in humans have not been done to see if apremilast increases the chance of birth defects. Animal studies did not find an increased chance of birth defects.

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

Studies in humans have not been done to see if apremilast 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). Animal studies found a higher chance of low birth weight offspring with higher doses of apremilast than what is used in humans.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking apremilast:

Apremilast has not been studied in humans for use while breastfeeding. Animal studies showed that apremilast gets into breast milk in small amounts. The product label for apremilast recommends women who are breastfeeding not use this medication. But the benefit of using apremilast may outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using apremilast and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if apremilast 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.

MotherToBaby is currently conducting a study looking at apremilast and other medications used to treat autoimmune diseases 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/.

This sheet is about exposure to clindamycin 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 clindamycin? 

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that has been used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. It can be taken by mouth (oral), applied to the skin (topical), used vaginally (as a cream, gel, or suppository), or given by IV (intravenous, or by needle into a vein). 

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. Treating infections during pregnancy is important. Some infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), can increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems, such as miscarriage and preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

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

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

Does taking clindamycin increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies of pregnant women treated for vaginal bacterial infections show that taking clindamycin by mouth or vaginally does not increase the risk of miscarriage and may even lower the risk of late miscarriage by treating the infection. Using topical clindamycin is also unlikely to increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking clindamycin 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 clindamycin, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Available pregnancy studies have not shown an increased chance of birth defects when clindamycin is taken orally or intravaginally. It is unlikely that using topical clindamycin would increase the chance of birth defects. 

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

Several studies have not found an increased chance of pregnancy-related problems such as low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2,500 grams] at birth). Studies of pregnant women treated for vaginal bacterial infections have found that oral or intravaginal clindamycin treatment either did not increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or lowered the chance for preterm delivery (possibly by treating the infection). It is unlikely that using topical clindamycin would increase the chance of low birth weight or preterm delivery. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking clindamycin: 

When taken by mouth or through an IV, only a small amount of clindamycin passes into breast milk. Babies sometimes receive clindamycin directly to treat infections, so a nursing infant would get much less from breast milk than from a direct dose. Because the amount of clindamycin in breast milk is low, side effects are unlikely for most babies. Watch the baby for any stomach issues, like diarrhea or diaper rash, and contact their healthcare provider if you notice anything. Very little clindamycin applied to the skin or used vaginally is absorbed into the body, so it is unlikely to reach breast milk in amounts that could affect a nursing baby. 

There are no specific studies on clindamycin and breastfeeding. One report described a newborn with two bloody stools while both the baby and mother were taking multiple antibiotics. It is unclear what role, if any, clindamycin in breast milk played. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if clindamycin could affect men’s 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 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 to view references. 

This sheet is about exposure to chlorpheniramine 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 chlorpheniramine?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that has been used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and the common cold. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy throat. Chlorpheniramine is sold under different brand names, including Chlor-Trimeton®, Aller-Chlor®, Chlo-Amine®, Polaramine®, Teldrin®.    

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

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

Does taking chlorpheniramine increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Information from studies done on antihistamines including chlorpheniramine have not suggested an increased chance of miscarriage. 

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

Most studies find no overall increased chance of birth defects with the use of chlorpheniramine in pregnancy. While two studies found a small increased chance for different types of birth defects, no specific pattern of birth defects has been reported.  

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

Chlorpheniramine is not expected to increase the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).   

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking chlorpheniramine:

Information on the use of chlorpheniramine during breastfeeding is limited. No side effects were reported in 5 infants exposed to chlorpheniramine while nursing. Chlorpheniramine can cause sleepiness in adults and might cause the same effect in infants that are nursing. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as drowsiness or irritability), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

There are some case reports of low sperm activity with long-term antihistamine use in men. This might affect men’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). This effect went away when the medications were stopped. 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 olopatadine 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 olopatadine?

Olopatadine is an antihistamine medication that has been used to treat some of the symptoms of allergies, like itchy eyes. It is sold as eye drops (under the brand names Pataday®, Patanol®, and Pazeo®) and nasal spray (under the brand name Patanase®). Olopatadine is also found in combination with mometasone furoate to treat seasonal allergies (Ryaltris®).

In general, eye drops and nasal sprays result in lower medication exposure for the pregnancy than oral (swallowed) medications.

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

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

Does taking olopatadine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done in humans to see if olopatadine can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking olopatadine 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 olopatadine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done in humans to see if olopatadine can increase the chance of birth defects.

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

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking olopatadine:

Olopatadine has not been well-studied for use while breastfeeding. It is not known if olopatadine passes into breast milk or what effects, if any, olopatadine might have on an infant who is breastfeeding. In general, eye drops and nasal sprays are not expected to get into breast milk in high amounts because they do not typically reach the blood stream. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if olopatadine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get 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 for references.