Medications and Pregnancy

Pregnant women often come in to see the dermatologist as flares of acne or various rashes are very common during pregnancy. As dermatologists, we must pay close attention to what medications we prescribe for obvious reasons. Typically, we advocate avoiding all medications during the first trimester in which most major development of the fetus occurs.  In certain extreme cases, exceptions may be made but only in the setting of working in close conjunction with the patient’s obstetrician. After the first trimester, certain medications may be used; the safest categories are labeled as A or B.