This sheet is about having Listeria infection (listeriosis) in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. 

What is listeriosis?  

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, often called Listeria. Listeriosis is typically caused by eating food that has been contaminated with this bacterium. Listeria can be found everywhere, including your home, restaurants, and other places such as grocery stores and food processing plants. Food with Listeria can introduce the infection into the refrigerator where it can spread to other foods. Listeria can continue to live in cold temperatures, such as in the refrigerator, but the chance for spreading can be slowed if the refrigerator is kept at a temperature of 40°F / 4°C or lower.  

Some foods that are more likely to be contaminated with Listeria include unpasteurized (raw) milk, and raw milk products, uncooked meat and fish, uncooked vegetables, deli meat, and soft cheeses. Listeria outbreaks can also be found on fruits, like cantaloupes and peaches. 

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?  

Not everyone infected with Listeria will develop symptoms. Symptoms could include diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, stiff neck, back pain, chills, sensitivity to bright light, and/or sore throat with fever and swollen glands. These symptoms can begin days to weeks after eating contaminated food. 

Who is at risk of being affected by listeriosis?  

The people most at risk of being affected by listeriosis include women who are pregnant, young children, adults over the age of 60, and people with weakened immune systems. Following some simple food safety guidelines can reduce the chance of getting and spreading listeriosis.  

What precautions should I take to lower the chance of getting listeriosis? 

To lower the chance of getting and spreading listeriosis and other food-borne illnesses all people can:  

• Thoroughly cook raw foods from animal sources.  

• Heat foods to steaming (at least 165°F / 74°C) to kill the bacteria. 

• Do not drink unpasteurized milk (also called raw milk) or eat any foods made with unpasteurized milk, including cheese, yogurt and ice cream made from unpasteurized milk. Wash raw vegetables and fruit, even if you plan to peel them (remove skin).  

• Separate uncooked meats from cooked meats and vegetables, especially with cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.  

• Wash hands, cutting boards, knives, counters, and sinks well after contact with uncooked foods with a new towel or paper towel.  

• Avoid the ”Danger Zone” (temperatures within 40°F and 140°F) when storing food. Do not leave food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. 

• Consume ready-to-eat food as soon as possible. 

• Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F / 4°C. 

• Clean your refrigerator regularly.  

Women who are pregnant should take extra precautions to lower the chance of getting listeriosis: 

•  Do not eat soft cheeses (such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela) unless they have labels stating that they are made from pasteurized milk. Note: some Mexican-style cheeses made from pasteurized milk have been a source of Listeria infections, possibly due to the cheese making process.  
•  Reheat any leftovers, ready-to-eat foods, hot dogs, cold cuts, deli meat, frozen vegetables, and frozen prepared foods to steaming (at least 165°F / 74°C), 
•  Prevent getting the juice of deli meats and hot dogs on other foods and surfaces. Wash your hands well after handling deli meats and hot dogs.  
•  Do not eat refrigerated hummus, pâté, meat spreads or refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is an ingredient in a fully cooked dish (like a casserole).  
•  Avoid ready-to-eat salads. 

How can I find out if I am infected with Listeria? 

A blood test can confirm whether you have listeriosis. If you think you have listeriosis, talk with your healthcare providers.  

I have listeriosis. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?  

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

Does having / getting listeriosis increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Listeriosis can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does having / getting listeriosis 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 listeriosis, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Based on the studies reviewed, it is not known if listeriosis increases the chance for birth defects above the background risk. 

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

Pregnancies affected by or exposed to Listeria can have an increased chance of infection in the uterus, preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2500 grams) at birth. Severe infection can increase the chance of stillbirth. 

Listeriosis during pregnancy can also increase the chance for serious health problems after birth. Newborn babies infected with Listeria can develop either early-onset or late-onset listeriosis.  

Early onset listeriosis develops 1 to 2 days after birth, and the baby often has signs of a serious bacterial infection.  

Late-onset listeriosis occurs 1 to 2 weeks after birth and usually includes symptoms of meningitis (a condition that causes areas of swelling around the brain and spinal cord in the baby). If not treated quickly, meningitis can lead to long-term problems for some children. Late-onset listeriosis is most likely related to Listeria present in the mother’s birth canal.  

Not all babies who are exposed to listeriosis during pregnancy will have problems.  

How can I find out if my pregnancy has been affected by Listeria? 

If you suspect you have been infected with Listeria, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Screening tests, such as ultrasounds have been used to check for an enlarged heart, thickened bowel, and increased thickness of the stomach walls, which might occur in some babies infected with Listeria. Diagnostic tests may also be available by testing amniotic fluid collected from amniocentesis, or by doing a blood test on the baby after birth. Discuss what options are available with your healthcare providers. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while I have listeriosis: 

It is not clear if Listeria passes through breastmilk. If you have been diagnosed with listeriosis and are breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.  

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

Studies have not been done to see if listeriosis could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) 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 on Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Where can I find an updated list of listeria outbreaks? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, better known as the CDC, has a list of all the outbreaks collected since 2011 in the United States. You can access a detailed list of new and previous outbreaks at: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/index.html. 

Please click here for references. 

This sheet is about exposure to hair treatments 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 providers.

What are the different types of hair treatments?

Coloring, curling (permanents), bleaching, and straightening (relaxers) are some types of hair treatments.

For this fact sheet, hair coloring includes temporary dyes, semi-permanent dyes, and permanent dyes. Common chemicals used in hair dyes have been hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and alcohols.

For hair curling or permanent wave, the most common chemicals used have been ammonium thioglycolate and ammonia. Hair bleaching chemicals have hydrogen peroxide. Hair straighteners (relaxers) use a variety of chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate, or in older preparations, sodium hydroxide.

Any of these chemicals might irritate the skin, nose, and throat. A strong smell does not mean that you are having a high level of exposure.

Hair treatments that are not made in the United States (U.S.) might have dangerous substances or contaminants such as heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, or mercury. In the U.S. the level of metals allowed in cosmetics is regulated.

Hair treatments are regulated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cosmetics do not need FDA approval before they go onto the market.

Do I absorb hair coloring/dye through my skin?

Under normal conditions, the amount of dye that is absorbed by healthy skin of the scalp is small. The amount that can be absorbed depends on the health of the skin, the levels (dose) of active ingredients, the area exposed (how much skin comes in contact with the solutions), and how often you use it. Some hair treatments, such as highlights, lowlights, frosting and streaking, where the dye/color is applied directly on to the hair shaft, do not touch the skin. If used/applied as recommended by the manufacturer, it is unlikely that large amounts of these products would be absorbed into the body.

I get/perform hair treatments. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?

A report that summarized findings from 19 studies reviewing the reproductive outcomes of hairdressers and cosmetologists reported a small increase in the time it took to get pregnant. Since then, 2 other studies suggested that hair care products might be linked with a harder time getting pregnant. One of the studies was from use of hair dye in other countries (not in the U.S.), and the other study was looking at hair straighteners. Work settings and personal health and habits can be different among the hairdressers and cosmetologists in the studies. For example, workplaces can differ in types and mixtures of chemicals used, work conditions, ventilation, and working hours. Therefore, it is difficult to know if the job or other factors could make it harder to get pregnant.

Does getting/performing hair treatments increase the chance for miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies in laboratory animals exposed to dyes at levels 100 times higher than normally used in humans did not suggest a greater chance for miscarriage.

However, there are hair straightening treatments that can release a chemical called formaldehyde (also known as formalin and methylene glycol) into the air when heated. Studies have suggested an increased chance for miscarriage among women who work around formaldehyde.

Does getting/performing hair treatments increase the chance of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts with 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Based on the studies reviewed, getting or performing hair treatments is not expected to significantly increase the chance for birth defects when used correctly.

Does getting/performing hair treatments increase the chance for pregnancy complications?

Some studies have suggested that working as a cosmetologist or hairdresser might increase the chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or having a baby that is smaller than expected (small for gestational age). One study suggested that the regular use of hair oils later in pregnancy might be associated with preterm delivery, but other factors might be involved. One study suggested that working with hair dye in another country on a weekly basis might increase the chance of stillbirth (loss of the baby after 22 weeks). Two studies have suggested that exposure to the ingredients in some hair products, such as hair dye, during pregnancy might be linked to a lower birth weight.

Work settings and personal health and habits can be different among hairdressers/cosmetologists. For example, workplaces can differ in types and mixtures of chemicals used, work conditions, ventilation, and working hours. Therefore, it is difficult to know if the job or other factors were related to these findings in some studies.

Does getting/performing hair treatments in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

We did not find any studies that addressed behavior or learning for the child. Therefore, it is not known if there is an increased chance of long-term problems for children exposed to hair treatments during pregnancy. While data is limited, there are reports on pregnancy outcomes of hairdressers and shop assistants. No increased chance for problems in their children were reported.

I work as a cosmetologist/hairdresser. Is there anything I can do to reduce exposures at work?

All studies support the importance of proper working conditions. Working in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective gloves, taking frequent breaks, practicing safe handling and storage of hair care products, and avoiding eating or drinking in the workplace are all important factors that can lower chemical exposures.

MotherToBaby has a general fact sheet on workplace exposures and ways to reduce potential exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/reproductive-hazards-workplace/. Your worksite should provide the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on all chemicals and proper personal protection for all parts of your job. Be certain to use them, even when not pregnant. By working in proper conditions, it can decrease the chemical exposures that can come from working and being around hair products.

If you perform hair treatments at home by yourself, it is important to follow all safety measures listed on the product label / instructions, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear the correct type of gloves.

Breastfeeding while performing/getting hair treatments:

We did not find studies looking at performing or getting hair treatments while breastfeeding. When used properly, it would be unlikely that large amounts of hair care chemicals would enter breast milk because so little would get into the blood of the woman getting or performing hair treatments. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man performs/gets hair treatments, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

It is not known if hair treatments would affect 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 exposures for a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist in a dental office setting. It also suggests some resources available to help create a safe work environment. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers and occupational safety officers.   

What types of hazards might be at my workplace? 

Some of the potential workplace hazards that dental workers might face include:  

• Infectious diseases / bloodborne pathogens  
• Laser/electrosurgery plumes 
• Heavy metals (mercury) 
• Nitrous oxide (waste anesthetic gases)  
• Ionizing radiation (x-rays) 
• Accidents (needle sticks, bites) 
• Allergic reactions 
• Physical strain 
• Stress 
• Chemicals (cleaning / disinfecting, dental sealants & tooth filling materials 

MotherToBaby has fact sheets on some of these topics at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/.  

Although you may work around a potential hazard, it does not mean that you are exposed to levels that would cause a problem. There are safety measures that workers can take to limit exposures. 

Pregnancy information for all workers: 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Birth defects can also 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 can cause birth defects. If something can cause birth defects, it is most likely to do so during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy (1st trimester). How much you are exposed to (dose) also matters when looking at workplace risks. For more information on how a fetus develops during pregnancy, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet on critical periods of development at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/critical-periods-development/. 

I work around nitrous oxide. Can this harm my pregnancy or my breastfeeding child? 

If nitrous oxide is used properly, including the use of scavenging equipment and correct technique, then it is unlikely to increase the chance of miscarriage or birth defects. Also, nitrous oxide is not expected to get into breastmilk. Air monitoring can be done to evaluate staff exposure if there is a concern about air levels in the office. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has a document (https://www.osha.gov/waste-anesthetic-gases/workplace-exposures-guidelines) with detailed information on workplace controls and recommended exposure limits for nitrous oxide. The American Dental Association (ADA) has a web page on working with nitrous oxide when pregnant https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nitrous-oxide.  

I am around our x-ray machine. Does this mean that I am exposed to radiation? 

Properly maintained x-ray equipment that is used with proper technique does not expose dental personnel to x-rays. Also, the amount of radiation used in modern digital x-rays is lower than with older film-based x-ray equipment. Please see our MotherToBaby fact sheet on working around ionizing radiation for information on working with x-ray machines at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ionizing-radiation-workplace-pregnancy/.  

If I am pregnant or breastfeeding, are there extra steps that I should take to prevent exposure to infectious diseases while working in a dental office? 

Workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should follow the same standard precautions established for all workers to prevent exposure to pathogens that can be spread by blood, saliva, or other body fluids. These precautions include proper hand washing and the use of protective equipment like gloves, face masks, and eye protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a document with guidelines for infection control in dental health care settings at https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html. 

Make sure you are up to date on all recommended immunizations. Healthcare providers are considered at high risk for getting or spreading hepatitis B, Covid-19, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox). Discuss your personal health history with your healthcare provider to see if there are other vaccine recommendations. MotherToBaby has fact sheets on some of these topics at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/.  

Are there concerns with exposure to mercury for dental workers? 

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of elemental mercury (liquid mercury) and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and/or copper. This mixture makes a strong, stable filling. Studies have not shown that this type of mercury exposure increases the chance of birth defects or other issues in children of dentists or their assistants.  

Mercury can be used safely at work if proper precautions are followed. Because mercury vapor can be absorbed through the lungs and skin, everyone in the office should always use correct safety procedures when handling and disposing of dental amalgams. It is important to check with a safety officer or industrial hygienist to make sure you are using the right protective gear, and that safety systems like suction, air filters, and mercury traps are working. Studies show that workers in offices with poor safety practices have higher mercury levels in their blood. If you are worried about mercury exposure, talk with your healthcare providers about the possibility of having testing done to estimate your exposure levels.  

What could be in the smoke that comes from drilling or using lasers? 

Smoke plumes could contain fine particles of dust and gases. These are not well studied and there is a lack of standards and precise safety guidelines for this issue. Workers exposed to smoke plumes have reported irritation of the eye, nose and throat, and headache.  

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommends that there be administrative controls for laser use, including a laser safety officer (LSO). If your workplace LSO has identified specific exposures from laser use in your dental practice, or other exposures from drilling smoke have been identified and you feel that proper workplace protection was not working, contact MotherToBaby to learn more about your specific exposure. 

How can I learn more about the chemicals with which I work? 

Dental workers can learn about chemicals used at the worksite by looking at the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If you have questions or concerns about chemicals used at your worksite, contact a MotherToBaby specialist. 

How do I reduce job-related exposures as a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist? 

Your work site should provide proper personal protection for all parts of your job. Be certain to use them correctly, even when not pregnant. Check to make sure that you are using the correct type of gloves and other personal protective equipment. Make sure the ventilation / air exchange in your workspace is working properly. Your work safety officer, LSO, and/or an industrial hygienist can help make sure your worksite has the correct protections in place.  

One of the most important steps you can take is to practice proper hand washing. Wash hands before and after each patient and after contact with any bodily substance or articles contaminated by them. Wash hands before eating or drinking; after cleaning equipment and rooms; after handling chemicals; and whenever hands are visibly soiled. 

MotherToBaby has a fact sheet on working during pregnancy and breastfeeding with general tips and resources available to help reduce potential chemical exposures (https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/reproductive-hazards-workplace/). 

If a man works in a dental office, can it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?   

This has not been well studied. Available data does not suggest a significant link with reduced fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increased risk of birth defects in a partner’s pregnancy. 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/.  

Who can I contact for more information?  

If you have specific concerns regarding your work site, discuss them with your healthcare providers or contact MotherToBaby with your specific exposures. In addition, talk with your employer about the option to hire an industrial hygienist (https://www.aiha.org/consultants-directory) or arrange for a Health Hazard Evaluation through the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/default.html) to have your work site evaluated for ways to keep all workers there as safe as possible.  

Please click here for references. 

This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline 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 oxymetazoline?

Oxymetazoline is a medication that has been used to treat nasal congestion, eye inflammation, and skin redness. It works by temporarily making the blood vessels narrower (constricting blood vessels) in the area where it is applied. Oxymetazoline can be found in prescription and over the counter nasal sprays (sprayed into the nose), eye drops, and topical preparations (applied to the skin). Some brand names are Afrin®, Dristan®, Nostrilla®, Rhofade®, and Vicks®.

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 providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

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

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

Does taking oxymetazoline 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 oxymetazoline can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking oxymetazoline 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 oxymetazoline, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies do not suggest a higher chance of birth defects with the use of oxymetazoline at recommended doses in pregnancy.

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

Studies have not been done to see if oxymetazoline 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).

In a report of 12 pregnancies in women with allergies, sinus infection, or a cold, but who were otherwise healthy, a one-time nasal spray dose of oxymetazoline did not change blood flow to the uterus.

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking oxymetazoline:

Oxymetazoline has not been studied for use while breastfeeding. When it is used as directed in the nose, in the eyes, or on the skin, very little of the medication is thought to be absorbed into the body or get into breast milk. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if oxymetazoline could affect a man’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 to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to prucalopride 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 prucalopride?

 

Prucalopride is a medication that has been used in adults to treat functional constipation, also known as chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation symptoms with an unknown cause that have been happening for at least 6 months). Prucalopride is sold under the brand name Motegrity®.  

Other kinds of constipation are sometimes treated with over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. For more information about OTC laxatives, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/laxatives/.    

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 providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

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

 

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

Does taking prucalopride 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 prucalopride can increase the chance of miscarriage,  

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

Studies have not been done in humans to see if prucalopride can increase the chance of birth defects. Animal studies done by the manufacturer did not show an increase in birth defects with exposure to prucalopride in pregnancy.  

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

 

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

 

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

Breastfeeding while taking prucalopride:

  

There are no published studies looking at the use of prucalopride during breastfeeding. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as diarrhea), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

 

Studies have not been done to see if prucalopride 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 for references.