The safety of drugs used to treat pinworm have not been studied for pregnant women. If the infection is compromising the pregnancy (i.e. weight loss, sleeplessness) then treatment can be considered, but should be withheld until the 3rd trimester when the risk, if any, to the fetus is likely to be reduced.
How do you treat pinworms when pregnant?
There are two medications that are commonly used to treat worm infections and they are both available over the counter from a pharmacy. The generic names are Mebendazole and Pyrantel. Mebendazole is the first preference as studies in human pregnancy show no increase in adverse effects to the mother or fetus.
Can I be treated for worms when pregnant?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding Mebendazole isn't usually recommended for the treatment of threadworms during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. However if you have another worm infection such as roundworm or hookworm, you should speak to a doctor to discuss the best way to treat this.
Is pinworms common in pregnancy?
Pinworms are common in pregnancy, as many expectant moms also have pinworm-laden toddlers in the house. Pinworms cannot hurt or infect a baby before birth, but they are uncomfortable and just plain disgusting for a pregnant mother.
