*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Dabigatran

NHS medicines information on dabigatran and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dabigatran and pregnancy

Dabigatran should not be taken during pregnancy.

If you take dabigatran and are planning a pregnancy or you become pregnant while taking it, speak to your doctor or specialist. They will change you to a different medicine.

Dabigatran and breastfeeding

It may be OK to take dabigatran while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Dabigatran gets into breast milk in tiny amounts, and it is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, we do not have very much information about dabigatran and breastfeeding, so your doctor may recommend a different medicine we know more about.

If your doctor says it's OK to take dabigatran while breastfeeding, then monitor your baby for any possible side effects.

Talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if:

your baby is not feeding as well as usual
your baby seems to bleed or bruise easily
you have any other concerns about your baby

Dabigatran and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking dabigatran reduces fertility in either men or women.

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

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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