Estrace Vaginal Cream and Pregnancy

There is no legitimate medical reason for pregnant women to use Estrace Vaginal Cream (estradiol vaginal cream). Pregnancy problems could potentially occur if a pregnant woman uses a pregnancy Category X medication like Estrace Vaginal Cream. Pregnancy Category X is a rating given to medicines that should not be used during pregnancy, due to serious complications that may occur (such as birth defects or miscarriages).

 

An Overview of Estrace Vaginal Cream and Pregnancy

Estrace® Vaginal Cream (estradiol vaginal cream) is a prescription estrogen medication used to treat vaginal dryness and other symptoms due to menopause. There is no accepted medical reason for pregnant women to use Estrace Vaginal Cream. It is not approved for use in pregnant women.
 

Estrace Vaginal Cream and Pregnancy Category X

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X is the most serious rating and is given to medications that should not ever be used during pregnancy, usually due to serious problems that could occur (such as birth defects or miscarriages). Almost all sources consider Estrace Vaginal Cream as a pregnancy Category X medication, although this terminology is not used in the prescribing information of Estrace Vaginal Cream.
 
Despite the fact that Estrace Vaginal Cream is considered a Category X medication, the medication does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or other problems. However, because the risks are not fully understood (and because there is no accepted, legitimate medical reason for pregnant women to use Estrace Vaginal Cream), it should not be used during pregnancy.
 

Estrace Vaginal Cream and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

Estrace Vaginal Cream should not be used by pregnant women. If you used Estrace Vaginal Cream for a while before you realized you were pregnant, it will probably not cause any problems (although you should discuss this with your healthcare provider). If you think you may be pregnant, you should contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;