QuestionI'm 33, have a 2.5 year old, and the 1st day of my LMP was 11/7/05. My ovulation test was positive on 11/25. I took 25mg of Benadryl 3 nights this past week, which would be around week 4 of my pregnancy. Info from my RE's office said it was ok to take, but I have since read that it can cause cleft lip/palate. I'm so worried an confused. Should I be worrying about this? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nicole
AnswerWe have used Benadryl (up to 50mg every four hours) during pregnancy for itching and as a sleep aid. It is safe and does not pose any threat to the fetus. It has not caused any cleft palates or lips in my experience of 30 years.
Steroids, on the other hand, have a 1% risk of cleft lip and palate, but the repair of those anamolies is so easy now, that we do not restrict its use if warranted (allergic reactions, asthma).I would not worry about Benadryl. We continue to prescribe it to help women sleep and to control itching from any source.
