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Detailed medicine guidance

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while having medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections

NHS medicines information on medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections and whether you can have them while pregnant or breastfeeding.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.

Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections and pregnancy

Do not have a medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection if you think you might be pregnant.

If you find that you're pregnant after having the injection, talk to your doctor. But do not worry, as the injection only gives a small amount of progesterone over a long period of time and is unlikely to affect your baby.

Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections and breastfeeding

It's OK to have a medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection while you're breastfeeding.

It passes into breast milk in very small amounts and your baby will not be able to absorb a lot into their body from the breast milk. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife as soon as possible.

Meds New IA (H2) - Pregnancy non-urgent care card

Tell your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.

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