Can prednisone help you get pregnant?

Prednisone is an oral drug that is sometimes prescribed for women trying to get pregnant and is used in the technique of in vitro fertilization.

It is also a prescription medication that is used to treat a variety of other conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, lupus erythematosus and others. Prednisone is also a steroid so it's important to keep in mind that prednisone can weaken your immune system.

Prednisone may be effective in the treatment of infertility, but many women find that they need a stronger medication to help improve their chances of getting pregnant.

Take prednisone in the first 3 months of pregnancy

Some studies show that taking prednisone in the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of cleft palate in babies. A cleft palate occurs when the lips or palate do not close completely during development. In general, the baby's risk of cleft palate is about 1 in 1000 cases. Many studies suggest that if a woman takes prednisone during the first trimester of pregnancy, the risk of her fetus having a cleft palate is up to 3 to 6 in 1000 babies. In contrast, some other studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects with prednisone, or if so, only very small.

Take prednisone during pregnancy

Taking long-term corticosteroids during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and / or possibly low birth weight.

It is difficult to distinguish the effects of these diseases during pregnancy and the effects of corticosteroid use. Some studies have suggested that underlying conditions during pregnancy, such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma, could be the cause of low birth weight or premature babies. However, other studies have found that taking corticosteroids during pregnancy increases the risk of having a low birth weight or preterm baby.

Many women need to continue taking prednisone or prednisolone during pregnancy to manage certain medical conditions. You should talk with your doctor about your treatment plan during pregnancy.

You need to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting this medication as prednisone may not be appropriate in some cases. In addition, for the healthy development of the baby, lactating women should not take this drug because the possibility of affecting the baby is very high.

If you are pregnant, it is better to stop using it immediately because prednisone can cause weight related problems for your baby. You need to have a reasonable and healthy diet as prednisone will have negative effects on your health if your body is not getting enough vitamin D or calcium it needs.