Psoriasis Pregnancy | Push Doctor

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

Psoriasis should not stop you from getting pregnant or giving birth to a healthy baby. However, some of the treatments are not safe during pregnancy, so you should speak to a doctor about the treatments you are using before trying for a baby. If you have an unplanned pregnancy and are on treatment, contact a GP as soon as possible.

Our doctors can discuss your treatment options with you and talk to you about any fears or questions that you may have.

This really can vary from person to person. Many women find that their psoriasis improves while they are pregnant, which may be due to a rise in progesterone, while others say that their symptoms get worse. If this is the case, speak to a GP, who can work with you to find a safe treatment for both you and your baby.

Our doctors can talk to you about how psoriasis treatments in pregnancy differ. Some topical creams are safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, while some medicines are not safe for use. The unsafe ones include:

Adalimumab - this can be harmful to your developing baby. You should not try for a baby while taking this medicine and you should not get pregnant for five months after you stop taking it.
Acitretin - this can cause birth defects and you should not get pregnant for two years after you stop taking this medicine as the risk is so significant. Men are however safe to father a baby while taking acitretin.
Methotrexate - This has been linked to miscarriages, cleft palate and other birth defects. You should not try for a baby while on treatment and for three months after you stop taking it. In men, methotrexate may affect sperm cells and they should not father a baby while taking it or for three months after stopping.

Also avoid coal tar and tazarotene, etanercept and infliximab, as the effects on pregnancy are not fully understood.

Most topical treatments are safe to use during pregnancy, but again, speak to a GP who will advise which to use. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to wipe any of these treatments away from your breast when feeding, to stop your baby ingesting it.

Psoriasis in Pregnancy

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

How does psoriasis affect you if you’re pregnant?

How psoriasis treatments differ

Related Articles