Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking dexamethasone tablets and liquid

Steroids are commonly used during pregnancy and most doctors will recommend continuing to take them.

Dexamethasone can be taken in pregnancy, but talk to your doctor or specialist. They may want to switch you to a different type of steroid that's less likely to get to your baby, such as prednisolone.

Do not stop taking dexamethasone before you've spoken to your doctor.

If you're taking dexamethasone, you may be offered extra scans in later pregnancy to check that your baby is growing well.

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's usually OK to take dexamethasone while you're breastfeeding.

It's not known how much dexamethasone passes into breast milk, but it's likely to be a very low amount.

If you're only taking dexamethasone for a short time, your baby is unlikely to get any side effects. Your baby may need extra monitoring if you're taking higher doses or if you need to take it for a long time.

It has been used to treat babies for many years.

If you notice 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 taking dexamethasone affects fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding