PREGNANCY CATEGORIES OF MEDICATIONS

Published: 2026-01-22 Updated: 2026-01-22

Rector Advisor, Vice Dean, and Faculty Member - Istanbul Kent University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Departmant of Pharmocology
Visiting Researcher&Lecturer - University College London, Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Medicine, UK
Visiting Lecturer - University of Aveiro, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Portugal

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Map of Health content is prepared with an evidence-based approach. References are provided for transparency.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an urgent medical concern, seek immediate care.

"Knowing the pregnancy categories of medications can help minimize potential teratogenic effects on the fetus and create safe pharmacological treatment plans during pregnancy by considering the balance between potential risks and benefits."

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PREGNANCY CATEGORIES OF MEDICATIONS

Pregnancy Category	Meaning
Category A	Safe during pregnancy, harmless to the fetus.
Category B	Animal tests are safe, human data is uncertain.
Category C	Risky in animals, human data is inadequate.
Category D	Risky for the human fetus.
Category X	Strictly must not be used during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Category	Meaning
Category A	No risk has been identified for the fetus in controlled studies conducted on humans. It is safe during pregnancy.
Category B	No risk has been identified in animal studies, but human studies are inadequate. Most likely safe.
Category C	Adverse effects have been observed in animal studies, but human studies are inadequate. A benefit-risk assessment must be performed.
Category D	Risk has been proven in humans; however, if the benefit is life-saving, its use may be considered. Must be administered under doctor supervision.
Category X	There are proven serious harms to the fetus. Strictly must not be used during pregnancy.