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

What is famotidine?

Famotidine is a medication that has been used to treat acid reflux (heartburn) or peptic ulcer disease. Famotidine lowers the amount of stomach acid that your body makes. A brand name for famotidine is Pepcid®.

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

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

Does taking famotidine 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 famotidine can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking famotidine 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 famotidine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies on the use of famotidine in pregnancy do not report an increased chance of birth defects.

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

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

It is not known if famotidine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking famotidine: 

Famotidine gets into breast milk in small amounts. Famotidine has given to newborn infants in higher amounts than those found in breast milk. Taking famotidine while breastfeeding is not expected to cause problems in children who are nursing. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

It is not known if famotidine could affect male 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 the 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.

This sheet is about exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and having a staph infection in pregnancy or 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 Staphylococcus aureus? What is a staph infection?

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria (germ). Staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the nose. A staph infection can happen when staph bacteria grow out of control or enter the body through a cut or sore on the skin. Staph infections can cause boils or blisters on the skin. They can also cause infections in the lungs (pneumonia), bloodstream (sepsis), or in a wound. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that can be difficult to treat because it is resistant to antibiotics (the infection does not respond to antibiotic treatment).

People who have a higher chance of getting a staph infection include those who are sick in hospitals, people recovering from surgery or other medical procedures, people living in over-crowded conditions (such as shelters or prisons), children in daycare, intravenous (IV) drug users, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic health conditions (like diabetes or cancer), athletes, and military personnel.

Can I get food poisoning if I eat food that is contaminated with staph?

Staph bacteria make toxins that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) illness if contaminated food is eaten. Although staph bacteria on food can be killed by cooking, the toxins they make can survive the heat and still cause illness. Staph food poisoning can start 30 minutes to 8 hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Staph food poisoning is usually not serious and generally does not last for more than a day. The best way to avoid contaminating food with staph is to practice good food handling practices, including handwashing.

Can I get a staph infection through my job?

Some workers are more likely to be exposed to staph than others, including healthcare professionals, veterinarians, rescue personnel, and workers who prepare foods. To lower the chance of a staph infection, it is important to wash hands and follow all safety protocols for the job, including the use of protective equipment when needed.

I am pregnant. If I am in close contact with someone with a confirmed staph skin infection, how can I lower my chances of getting the infection?

• Do not touch the person’s sores, cuts, or bandages.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often, and always wash your hands after direct contact with anyone who has any skin infection.
• Do not share towels, soap, razors, tweezers or other personal items.
• If you need to wash the laundry of a person with a staph infection, use the warmest water temperature recommended by the manufacturer’s directions, and dry the laundry thoroughly.

I have a staph infection. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?

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

Does having/getting a staph infection increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if a staph infection increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does having/getting a staph infection increase the chance of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Staph infections have not been linked to a higher chance of birth defects. However, some staph infections can cause a fever. A high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects. For more information about fever, see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/hyperthermia-pregnancy/.

Would having/getting a staph infection cause other pregnancy complications?

If the amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the fetus) becomes infected with staph, it could cause preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Staph can also be passed to a baby from an infected mother at the time of delivery. Most of the time this does not cause problems for the baby, but sometimes it causes skin infection or other illness in the newborn.

Does having/getting a staph infection in pregnancy cause long-term problems for the child?

Studies have not been done to see if having a staph infection during pregnancy can cause learning or behavior issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while I have a staph infection:

Staph infections are a common cause of mastitis (infection in the breast). The American Academy of Pediatrics states that women who have mastitis can continue to breastfeed their child.

A staph skin infection could spread to a child from direct skin contact or through contact with clothing, bedding or other materials that have the bacteria on them. If you have a staph skin infection, it is important to keep the wound covered with bandages so the baby does not touch the wound or any discharge coming from it, and keep blankets and other items clean. This is important during breastfeeding and even if you are not currently breastfeeding.

There are reports of infants getting staph infections through expressed (pumped) breast milk that was contaminated through improper cleaning of pumping equipment or storage containers. It is important to thoroughly wash and sterilize pumping equipment and storage containers, as well as your hands, when pumping breast milk.

Not all staph infections require treatment. However, if you are being treated with a medication, you can contact MotherToBaby to discuss the use of your specific medication(s) during breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Some studies have suggested that a staph infection of the genital tract in men might affect the number, movement, and shape of the sperm and decrease fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant). 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 having functional constipation in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is based on research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is functional constipation?

Constipation (difficulty in emptying the bowels) is the most common complaint of the digestive system. There are different types of constipation. Functional constipation is a type of chronic constipation that needs to be diagnosed by a healthcare provider following a set of diagnostic criteria. If you are taking medication for functional constipation, contact MotherToBaby to discuss your specific medications.

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

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

Does having functional constipation 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 functional constipation can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does having functional constipation 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 functional constipation, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies have not been done to see if functional constipation can increase the chance of birth defects.

Would having functional constipation increase the chance of other pregnancy related problems?

This has not been well studied. One study reported a higher chance for C-section among 221 people with functional constipation. Other factors, such as BMI, age, and less active lifestyles, could have also led to a higher chance for C-section among the people in this study.

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

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

Breastfeeding while I have functional constipation:

Functional constipation is unlikely to interfere with breastfeeding. Contact MotherToBaby to discuss any specific medications that you might be taking. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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

Studies have not been done to see if functional constipation 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 the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

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

Please click here to view references.

This sheet is about having varicella infection (chickenpox) in a 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 varicella (chickenpox)? 

 

Varicella, commonly called chickenpox, is a viral infection that usually happens in childhood, but can happen anytime in life. Varicella is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). When a person gets VZV for the first time, it causes varicella. The most common symptom of varicella is a rash which first appears as small, reddish spots or pimples. These spots will blister and then scab over. New spots appear for up to 3-5 days. Often a fever and body aches happen before the rash appears.  

Varicella is very contagious. This means that it can spread easily from person to person. A person who has varicella is contagious for 1-2 days before they break out in a rash and continues to be contagious until all their spots are scabbed over. If you have never had varicella before and someone in your household is infected, there is about a 90% chance that you will catch it as well. Infection happens less often after exposure in other places, such as in a school. It takes from 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus for someone to develop varicella. 

After a person gets varicella, the infection stays in the body, even when there are no longer symptoms (called a latent infection). Sometimes, a latent infection can reactivate (start causing symptoms again). When a VZV infection is reactivated, it causes herpes zoster (shingles). 

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

 

Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to find out if you have an active varicella infection. They can also test to see if you have ever had varicella in the past. When a person has varicella, antibodies to the virus are made. These antibodies usually last a long time and keep a person from getting varicella again (the person becomes immune). People who are immune are not likely to develop symptoms if they are exposed to varicella again.  

If you have recently been exposed to varicella and do not have immunity, talk to your healthcare provider about what steps you can take to avoid getting varicella, or to reduce how serious the symptoms are if you do get varicella. 

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

 

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

Does having/getting varicella increase the chance of miscarriage? 

 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if having/getting varicella can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does having/getting varicella 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 varicella, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. If a woman gets varicella in the first or early second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus has up to a 3% (3 out of 100) chance of being born with congenital varicella syndrome.  

A baby with congenital varicella syndrome might have symptoms including scars on the skin, eye problems, poor growth, underdevelopment of an arm or leg, or small head size. Some babies may have one or more of these problems, while others might have all these issues. However, most babies born to people who have varicella in pregnancy are healthy. 

Does having/getting varicella increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

 

The chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) is higher if you have varicella in the first half of the pregnancy. 

My due date is in 3 weeks, and I have just been exposed to varicella. Is there any risk to my pregnancy?  

 

If you already had varicella or the varicella vaccine, your past infection/vaccine should protect you. If you have not had varicella or the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider right away. If you are infected with varicella 5 days or less before delivery or 1-2 days after delivery, there is a chance your newborn could also develop varicella (called neonatal varicella). Neonatal varicella can be serious. Rarely, having varicella during pregnancy could also lead to an early development of shingles in the baby later. 

If you are infected with varicella between 6 and 21 days before delivery, there is still a chance your newborn could develop neonatal varicella. However, because your baby will get some of your newly made varicella antibodies, the neonatal varicella is more likely to be mild.  

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

 

Most babies who are exposed to varicella during pregnancy are healthy. However, some children could have eye problems, small head size, or delayed development and/or intellectual disability, which could affect future behavior or learning.   

B

reastfeeding and varicella:

 

Breast milk might contain antibodies that can help to protect your baby from getting varicella. However, because varicella is very contagious, talk to your child’s pediatrician right away if you become infected with varicella. It is important to prevent your baby from coming into direct contact with the rash or the affected areas. This can lower the chances of your baby getting the virus. If you suspect your baby has any symptoms that could be from varicella, 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 varicella, can it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?   

 

Studies have not been done to see if varicella could affect men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. A study that tested if varicella was present in semen after having varicella did not find any signs of the virus in the semen. If you have been exposed to varicella and you have not had varicella or the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider right away. For more information on paternal exposures, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to lidocaine 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 lidocaine? 

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that has been used to temporarily numb areas of the body. It is found in some over-the-counter pain creams and patches and can be injected for medical or dental procedures, nerve blocks, or spinal/epidural anesthesia. It is also used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmia). Lidocaine can be given as an injection (shot), intravenously (by IV) and topically (on the skin).  

Lidocaine and prilocaine can be found in a combination topical cream product called EMLA®. For more information on prilocaine, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/prilocaine. 

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

Experimental animal studies did not find that lidocaine would affect fertility (ability to get pregnant). One study in humans reported no significant difference in rates of fertilization (when sperm meets the egg to form an embryo) between follicles exposed to lidocaine and those not exposed. 

Does taking lidocaine 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 lidocaine can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking lidocaine 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 lidocaine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. One study in 293 women who were exposed to lidocaine during the first four months of pregnancy did not find a higher chance of birth defects. Also, human case reports and experimental animal studies do not suggest that lidocaine would significantly increase the chance of birth defects. 

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

It is not known if lidocaine 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). There are a few case reports of side effects in newborns when lidocaine was used at the time of delivery. The infants in these case reports needed treatment for symptoms that included low muscle tone (“floppy”), dilated pupils, trouble breathing, apnea, and/or seizures. There are also case reports without health concerns in the newborn when lidocaine was used at the time of delivery. 

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

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

Breastfeeding while taking lidocaine: 

Lidocaine gets into breastmilk in small amounts. The medication in the breastmilk is not well absorbed by the baby. Breastfeeding after receiving lidocaine is unlikely to cause problems for a nursing child. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

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

Studies have not been done to see if lidocaine 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.