According to the US FDA, ranitidine is a category B drug for pregnancies. Based on animal studies conducted in laboratories, there is no harm to the fetus if the drug is taken by the pregnant animal. However, no studies have been conducted on humans. Hence, researchers are still not sure what the ranitidine effects are during pregnancy. The drug is given to pregnant women to counteract heartburn during pregnancy and also to prevent Mendelson's syndrome.

While there is evidence to show that the medication reaches the growing fetus through the placenta, no harm is done to the fetus. Also, ranitidine is given to women in labor to prevent Mendelson's syndrome. However, when it comes to taking ranitidine during pregnancy, doctors prescribe only if the benefit of taking the medication outweighs the involved risks.

In one particular study, 20 pregnant women were injected 50mg of ranitidine intravenously when they were 38 weeks pregnant. The drug was given to them to prevent Mendelson's syndrome. Three hours after the drug was given, the maternal serum and umbilical cord fluid were checked for the drug concentration. It was found that the drug made its way into the placenta, but no adverse effect was observed in the fetus.

In another study, 80 pregnant women were given ranitidine orally 8 hours before they were scheduled for C-sections. These women were 37 weeks pregnant. The strength of the medication was 150mg. Here too it was found that the medication reached the fetus, but no adverse effect was seen.

However, as the doctors as well as researchers do not know what ranitidine side effects are in pregnancy, it is usually only given as a last resort medication and if taking the medication will prove to be beneficial for the pregnant woman. Hence, women, who suffer from heartburn, should speak to their doctors before getting on to ranitidine. This is especially true if the woman is pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. Furthermore, it is also advised the women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctors about the use of ranitidine, as the medication has been found in breast milk.

So, when it comes to ranitidine side effects in pregnancy, the doctors are not aware as to what the side effects are, as no tests or studies have been conducted in pregnant women. However, animal studies show that there is to adverse effect to the fetus, but this does not mean that the medication is safe for pregnant women. Ranitidine should be taken only after consulting the doctor and in the dosage prescribed by the doctor. If the heartburn does not get okay in two weeks, most probably the doctors will change the medication or ask the pregnant woman to resort to lifestyle and dietary changes.

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• Ranitidine Side Effects In Pregnancy
• Can Ranitidine Cause Enlarged Prostate ?
• Ranitidine Acid Reflux In Infants

Drugs.com: Ranitidine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/ranitidine.html