Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking pregabalin

Some, but not all, studies have shown that taking pregabalin during pregnancy may slightly increase the chance of birth defects in the baby.

You'll usually only be advised to take it if your doctor thinks the benefits of the medicine outweigh the possible risks.

If you take pregabalin and become pregnant, do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you take pregabalin for epilepsy, it's particularly important that this is well controlled during pregnancy, as seizures can harm you and your baby.

It's recommended to use effective contraception while taking pregabalin. If you plan to get pregnant, talk to your doctor, as they may want to review your treatment.

If you're trying to get pregnant or have become pregnant while taking pregabalin, it's recommended to take high dose folic acid (5mg a day). You can get this from your doctor or midwife.

Ideally, you'll take high dose folic acid for 3 months before you start trying to get pregnant and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Do not worry if you have not taken it before you get pregnant, but start taking it as soon as possible once you know that you are pregnant. It helps your baby to grow normally.

If you take pregabalin around the time of giving birth, your baby may need extra monitoring for a few days after they're born. This is because they may have pregabalin withdrawal symptoms.

If your baby is healthy, you can usually take pregabalin while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first and they’ll help you to decide.

It's important to keep treating your condition to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

There's not much information about using pregabalin while breastfeeding, but it shows that pregabalin passes into breast milk in small amounts.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby:

• has changes in feeding, or if they're not putting on weight as you would expect
• is being unusually sleepy
• is being irritable
• is constipated
• is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.

Carry on taking the medicine, and keep breastfeeding as usual until you've got advice about your baby's symptoms.

It's important not to share a bed with your baby while you're taking pregabalin.