Pregancy, Breastfeeding and Local Anaesthetic.

Local anaesthetic, pregnancy & breastfeeding

Good news: most routine dental care using local anaesthetic is safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. When treatment is clinically needed, it’s better to do it than delay and risk pain or infection. We use well-studied anaesthetics in small dental doses and tailor everything to keep you and baby comfortable. ADA

What we use during pregnancy

  • First-choice anaesthetic: Lidocaine (lignocaine) 2% with adrenaline in standard dental concentrations (e.g., 1:80,000–1:100,000). This combination is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy when used appropriately. ACOG

  • Why adrenaline? It helps the numbness work better and last longer, which means less medicine entering the bloodstream overall. At dental doses this is acceptable in pregnancy. ACOG

  • What we avoid: Prilocaine with felypressin (e.g., Citanest with Octapressin) is generally avoided in pregnancy because felypressin can mimic oxytocin and may stimulate uterine contractions. PMC+1

  • Articaine: Evidence in pregnancy is more limited than for lidocaine, so we typically prefer lidocaine when you’re pregnant. (Articaine is fine for non-pregnant adults and is compatible with breastfeeding—see below.) PMC

Breastfeeding: do I need to “pump and dump”?

No. You can continue breastfeeding as normal after dental local anaesthetic. Lidocaine passes into milk in only tiny amounts and isn’t expected to affect your baby; articaine exposure via milk is also very low. There’s no need to interrupt feeds after routine dental injections. The Breastfeeding Network+3NCBI+3NCBI+3

Your visit with us (what to expect)

  1. Tell us if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and about any medical conditions or medicines.

  2. We keep appointments comfortable and short, with gentle positioning and breaks if you need them.

  3. If X-rays are clinically essential, modern dental radiographs can be taken safely in pregnancy; otherwise we wait. ACOG

Quick FAQs

Is local anaesthetic safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Dental care with lidocaine (with or without adrenaline) is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy when clinically indicated. ACOG

Which local anaesthetic do you use?
Usually lidocaine 2% with adrenaline. We avoid prilocaine with felypressin in pregnancy. ADA+1

Can I breastfeed after a filling or extraction with local anaesthetic?
Yes—carry on feeding as normal. There’s no requirement to express and discard milk after lidocaine or articaine used in standard dental doses. NCBI+1

What if I’m anxious about the injection?
We can use numbing gel first, go slowly, and talk you through it. (Inhalation or IV sedation is a separate discussion in pregnancy—ask us for personalised advice.)

Ready for a pregnancy-friendly check & clean?
Book online or call 01637881011. We’ll keep you comfortable now and plan any elective care for the best time.

Last reviewed: 18 September 2025
Clinical reviewer: Dr med dent Peer Nelz, GDC 82848
Disclaimer: This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your dentist, midwife, GP or health visitor.