I know this is a weird question, but now that we are aware of the sex of the baby, some frightening info has come to mind.

Basically, when I got pregnant, my OH was taking some pill every day which was supposed to stop him losing his hair (he's not bald at all, but he's paranoid that he was getting thinner up top and so went and got on a program). It was some program that Boots offered which he had to have a consultation for and everything as it's strictly monitored. When he went in originally to have it, they told him it was extremely important that if he was thinking of having children at any point, he'd have to come off the pills for at least a month before trying. Apparently the pills can cause problems in boy babies!

They also told him that if I DID get pregnant, I'm not to touch the pills as they are dangerous even for a pregnant woman to hold!!

Anyway, as we weren't trying for a baby at all, we didn't really think much of it. When we unexpectedly found out I was preggers, he stopped taking the pill "just in case."

But now we know we're having a boy, and he was on the pills when we conceived and for the first few weeks of the pregnancy...

Unfortunately he doesn't remember what side effects they told him the pills could have on a boy, and there's nothing in the leaflets that explains it.

I'm freaking out, as I don't know if it causes birth defects or infertility or what!

Does anyone have any idea the type of ill effects this could have? I'm going to to talk to my doctor about it as soon as I can, but as I'm leaving on holiday for two weeks, I don't know how soon I can get in.

I'm really worried!!

First port of call - find out what they're called then call NHS direct AND Boots and get all of the info you're missing. Not knowing what POSSIBLE problems there might or might not be isn't the best situation.

Then, if you're still not reassured that everything is OK (which it more than likely is) call your midwife for further advice. DON'T google - very dangerous thing to do!

Hugs x

Totally agree with the above post. Same advice i would have given!
Xxx

i third the advise given above, let us know how you get on.

Well I found out it's Propecia he was taking, and from what I've heard so far from the chemist, the danger is for birth defects in male babies.

He's going to ring me back with more information, as he said he doesn't personally have experience with it and wants to make sure not to give me bad information. But he said he THINKS its linked to touching the pills only, and not simply through sperm. Though he also said the pills are coated so unless I handled broken pills, he doesn't THINK there's a reason to worry...

But again he stressed that he would call back once he'd looked into it more. So that has helped ease my mind a little!

I've just found this on it:

Finasteride is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, because the medication could be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.

It is not known whether finasteride passes into breast milk, and thus should not be taken by breastfeeding women. Finasteride may pass into the semen of men, but Merck states that a pregnant woman's contact with the semen of a man taking finasteride is not an issue for concern

Propecia is the trademark name btw. I think the final sentence is the most important one here. But also do go and speak to a pro about your concerns.

http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/...s.jsp?WT.svl=2

Aw thank you Phinners. I stayed away from Google just in case, so didn't look on the manufacturers site. That's a big relief!

You're welcome luv. I would still have a chat with the GP though, rather than taking anything I or anyone else offers. Just to be 100% certain. xx