The American Pregnancy Association reports that during pregnancy elevated hormone levels can increase the incidence of acne. Physicians often treat acne with topical and oral medications. During pregnancy, the use of acne medications is strongly discouraged due to the increase in the risk of birth defects. It remains important for expectant mothers to learn about the safety of acne medications, to know which ones to avoid.
Hormonal Therapy
The American Academy of Dermatologists website, AcneNet, reports that the female hormone estrogen and other anti-androgens, as well as flutamine and spironolactone treat acne in women. However, women should not take these medications during pregnancy because they can increase the risk of birth defects. In addition, these drugs can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should not take them.
Isotretonin
Isotretonin, also known as Accutane, is a powerful acne medication used to treat severe acne. Isotretonin has shown such a great risk of causing birth defects that physicians often recommend that women follow a pregnancy prevention program while taking it. This requires using two forms of birth control continuously beginning one month before therapy starts and not ending until one month after isotretonin therapy has completed. Physicians monitor women who take isotretonin in case pregnancy occurs. In the event of pregnancy, patients should stop taking medication immediately. If attempting to conceive, then they should stop taking this medication for at least one month beforehand.
Oral Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines, along with minocycline and doxycycline, are part of a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat acne. Women should take these medications during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The American Pregnancy Association explains that tetracycline can cause inhibition of bone growth and discoloration of teeth in fetuses.
Topical Retinoids
According to the Organization of Tetrology Information Specialists, topical retinoids such as Retin-A, only allow a small amount of the medication to absorb into the bloodstream, approximately 5 to 10 percent. While oral retinoids can cause birth defects, it appears unlikely that taking retinoids topically will cause birth defects. However, the drug does contain warnings recommending that women do not take the medications if they become pregnant or breastfeed.
Considerations
For women currently take acne medication who want to get pregnant, it remains important to consult a healthcare professional before attempting to conceive. One week prior to taking the drug Accutane, a physician will require a negative pregnancy test. Accutane will be started on the 2nd or 3rd day after the next normal menstrual period.
