Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using hydrocortisone for piles and itchy bottom

Hydrocortisone creams, ointments, sprays and suppositories for piles and itchy bottom can be used in pregnancy.

Only a small amount of the medicine gets into your blood, and this will not harm your baby.

Hydrocortisone creams, ointments, sprays and suppositories for piles and itchy bottom can be used while breastfeeding, but try to only use them for a short time.

It's not known how much passes into breast milk, but it's likely to be a tiny amount, and your baby will not be able to absorb much of it into their body. It's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Wash your hands after using the treatment and before picking up your baby.

Treatments for piles and itchy bottom containing hydrocortisone may also contain other ingredients such as local anaesthetics. It's still OK to use them while breastfeeding.

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

There's no evidence that hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom affect fertility in either men or women.