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Cervidil and Breastfeeding
It is not known if Cervidil (dinoprostone vaginal insert) passes through breast milk, or if it would harm a nursing baby. However, this medicine is inserted vaginally before childbirth, and the effects of the drug are expected to be brief. Because each woman's situation is different, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks of receiving Cervidil before breastfeeding.
At this time, it is not known if Cervidil® (dinoprostone vaginal insert) passes through breast milk in humans. Because the medication is approved only for use in pregnant women who are at or near delivery, it is unlikely to be used while a woman is nursing. If you are breastfeeding or plan to start, talk with your healthcare provider before using Cervidil.
Cervidil has not been studied in breastfeeding women or animals. Therefore, it is unknown whether the medication passes through breast milk, or if it would harm a nursing child.
When given by mouth, dinoprostone (the active ingredient in Cervidil) can suppress lactation in the first few days after birth. By one month after birth, the drug no longer affects breast milk production.
However, Cervidil comes in the form of a vaginal insert that is placed intravaginally prior to labor and delivery. When used as recommended, the effects of the drug are expected to be brief. Therefore, the medication would be unlikely to influence milk production in the hours or days after childbirth.
You should discuss breastfeeding and Cervidil use with your healthcare provider. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD