Pregnancy Category D: Meaning, Typical Risk Framing, and Common Questions
“Pregnancy category D” can be scary to see on a medication list. You may also see the same idea written as pregnancy class D. In the older letter system, Category D means fetal risk has been seen in humans, but a doctor may still use the drug when the benefit is greater than the risk.
This guide explains the meaning of pregnancy category D, how the risk is usually described, and how it compares with pregnancy class C and pregnancy category X. It is for education, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your OB-GYN and your prescriber before you change any medicine.
If alcohol or drug use is part of the picture, do not try to make major changes alone. Support can protect both you and your pregnancy.