Role of Pregnancy Medications in Miscarriage and Birth Defects

Although effective as a treatment for severe acne, Accutane (isoretinoin) should never be used during pregnancy. Use of Accutane during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or birth defects.

There are known risks to having the flu during pregnancy, but what about the flu vaccine? Existing evidence suggests influenza vaccination is safe during pregnancy but research is limited on the first trimester.

There is not currently enough information to say whether Effexor XR is safe for use during pregnancy; women need to work together with their doctors to make decisions on the best treatments for depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

ACE inhibitors are a common class of antihypertensives (blood pressure medication), but they are risky to use during pregnancy -- especially the second and third trimester. Contact your doctor before getting pregnant if you are being treated with an ACE inhibitor.

Claritin, a.k.a. loratadine, is a common antihistamine and allergy medication. There is no evidence linking Claritin to increased risk of miscarriage, and the drug appears not to be linked to birth defects either.

Caduet, a cholesterol lowering medication that combines atorvastatin with amlodipine, is considered category X and contraindicated for use during pregnancy.

Sometimes use of prescription drugs in pregnancy is unavoidable. Most drugs are generally safe, but a few increase the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss. The FDA has developed a category system for prescription drugs to evaluate the risks they pose during pregnancy.

There is conflicting research on whether long-term use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of miscarriage in a future pregnancy. Researchers do not yet know the answer. Pregnancies accidentally conceived while on birth control do not seem at increased risk.

Some research has linked aspirin (and other NSAIDs) with increased risk of miscarriage. But other research shows that low-dose "baby" aspirin might reduce the risk of miscarriage in some women. What is the real story on using aspirin while pregnant?

Although emergency contraception (plan B) can prevent a pregnancy after sexual intercourse, it will not induce a miscarriage or affect an established pregnancy.

Although there are known medical risks to untreated depression in pregnant women, there's some evidence that antidepressant medications such as SSRIs in pregnancy might raise the risk of miscarriage and other problems. Does that mean antidepressants shouldn't be used in pregnancy?