*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 Prednisolone Tablets And Liquid

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

Prednisolone and pregnancy

You can take prednisolone while you're pregnant. It has occasionally been linked to problems in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and possible effects on the baby's growth, however, the benefits of taking it usually outweigh any risks.

Only small amounts can cross over the placenta, so your baby is exposed to very little prednisolone in the womb.

If you take prednisolone in pregnancy, your baby's growth will be checked regularly.

It's important that immune and inflammatory problems are well treated as these can affect you and your baby's wellbeing.

Speak to your doctor if you become pregnant. They will discuss the risks and benefits with you and help you decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.

Prednisolone and breastfeeding

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

Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.

If you're taking a dose of more than 40mg of prednisolone each day for a long time, your baby may need extra monitoring.

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

Prednisolone and fertility

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

For more information about how steroids such as prednisolone can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

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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