Propranolol and pregnancy
You can take propranolol during pregnancy.
Propranolol can sometimes affect your baby's growth. You will be offered extra growth scans in later pregnancy (usually from 32 weeks) to check that your baby is growing.
If you're trying to get pregnant or you're already pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether taking propranolol is right for you, or if different medicine might be better during pregnancy.
Propranolol and breastfeeding
If your baby is healthy, it's OK to take propranolol while breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking it.
Propranolol passes into breast milk in tiny amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.
It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding
It's important to keep taking propranolol to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.
Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby:
- is not feeding as well as usual, or not putting on weight as you would expect
- seems unusually sleepy, tired or weak
- looks much paler than usual
- seems sweaty or shaky
- has changes in their breathing
- has an upset stomach (such as constipation or diarrhoea)
If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.
Propranolol and fertility
There's no evidence that propranolol affects fertility in men or women.
If you're trying to get pregnant, or you're having problems getting pregnant while on propranolol, speak to your doctor.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding