Can you use steroid cream when pregnant

For low birth weight, although the meta-analysis based on study-level data was not significant for either mild to moderate corticosteroids pooled RR 0. The results from three of the individual studies in the meta-analysis indicated an increased risk of low birth weight in women who received potent to very potent topical corticosteroids. Maternal use of mild to moderate potency topical steroids was associated with a decreased risk of foetal death pooled RR 0.

Data from observational studies started at low quality. We further downgraded the evidence because of imprecision in low birth weight and inconsistency in foetal death.

Lower quality evidence resulted in lower confidence in the estimate of effect for those outcomes. Review question Is it safe to use topical steroids steroid creams or ointments in pregnancy?

Background Topical steroids are the most commonly used medicines for skin conditions. Study characteristics We updated the review that was previously published in Key results We found no associations between mothers' use of topical steroids of any potency and type of delivery, birth defects, premature births, or low Apgar score.

Quality of evidence The overall quality of evidence is low because all available studies were observational. Authors' conclusions:. To assess the effects of topical corticosteroids on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Search strategy:. Selection criteria:. Data collection and analysis:. Main results:. Your doctor will only prescribe medicines when absolutely necessary and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you might have.

Women who have used a topical corticosteroid in early pregnancy will not usually need any extra monitoring. There is no evidence that topical corticosteroids used by the father around the time of conception can harm the baby. If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet please discuss them with your health care provider.

They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www. Do you have 3 minutes to complete a short, quick and simple 12 question user feedback form about our bumps information leaflets? To have your say on how we can improve our website and the information we provide please visit here. Up to 1 out of every 5 pregnancies ends in a miscarriage, and 1 in 40 babies are born with a birth defect. These are referred to as the background population risks.

Most medicines used by the mother will cross the placenta and reach the baby. Sometimes this may have beneficial effects for the baby. How a medicine affects a baby may depend on the stage of pregnancy when the medicine is taken. If a new medicine is suggested for you during pregnancy, please ensure the doctor or health care professional treating you is aware of your pregnancy.

Our bumps leaflets are written to provide you with a summary of what is known about use of a specific medicine in pregnancy so that you can decide together with your health care provider what is best for you and your baby.

Every pregnancy is unique. NEW YORK Reuters Health - Expectant mothers can use corticosteroid creams for irritated skin without putting their fetus at risk, except for large amounts of very strong creams, a new study suggests.

Heather Lipkind, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven who was not involved in the new study, told Reuters Health. The researchers did find that when women used more than grams of very potent corticosteroids during pregnancy, babies were at increased risk of low birth weight, which is new, Chi said.

Topical steroid creams are commonly prescribed for rashes, eczema or other skin inflammation.