*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 Valsartan

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

Valsartan and pregnancy

Valsartan is not recommended in pregnancy. This is because it can reduce the level of fluid around your baby, particularly if you take it in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It can also cause long-term damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs, and other problems.

If you are already pregnant, stop taking valsartan and talk to your doctor straight away. They will usually be able to prescribe a different medicine that's safer to take in pregnancy. Valsartan should always be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant.

It's important to use contraception if you're taking valsartan and carefully plan any pregnancy with your doctor or specialist. They will review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.

Most women stop taking valsartan before getting pregnant, but you may be able to keep taking it until you have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your medical condition and the risks and benefits of valsartan.

Valsartan and breastfeeding

It might be OK to take valsartan while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It is best not to take valsartan if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.

It is not yet known how much valsartan gets into breast milk. There is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Until we know more about valsartan in breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend a different medicine for you to take.

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

your baby is not feeding as well as usual
your baby seems unusually sleepy
your baby looks much paler than normal
you have any other concerns about your baby

Valsartan and fertility

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

However, if you're trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor first as this medicine is not recommended in pregnancy.

Find out more about how angiotensin receptors blockers such as valsartan can affect you and your baby on 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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