Pregnancy in Women with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review of Concerns and Challenges

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: Not quantified - narrative synthesis only

• Primary Outcome: Pregnancy concerns reported in >50% of patients with atopic dermatitis

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Protective or indifferent effect on preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth based on 5 studies

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Highly feasible - involves counselling and monitoring of existing atopic dermatitis patients during reproductive years Relevant to Australian practice where atopic dermatitis affects 15-20% of children and persists in many adults. Supports current RACGP and dermatology guidelines for pregnancy counselling in chronic skin conditions Women with atopic dermatitis planning pregnancy or currently pregnant, relevant to Australian dermatology and obstetric practice

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has negative individual and societal implications. However, the potential impact of ADatopic dermatitis on reproduction has only been sporadically investigated. We aimed to provide an overview of pregnancy in ADatopic dermatitis, with a specific focus on concerns, challenges, the number of children, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. A systematic literature search was performed using EMBASE and PubMed up until 19th January 2026 for original articles in relation to reproduction in female ADatopic dermatitis. Twenty-four highly heterogeneous studies were included. Concerns about ADatopic dermatitis in relation to pregnancy and family planning were reported in >50% of the patients in three3 out of four4 studies. Conflicting results were seen regarding fertility and disease severity during pregnancy. Pregnancy rates were similar or increased based on two2 studies. Eleven studies addressed adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, of which five5 studies unanimously reported a protective or indifferent effect of ADatopic dermatitis on pre-term birth, gestational diabetes and stillbirth. Outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and miscarriage showed divergent results. Overall, ADatopic dermatitis causes considerable worries in relation to family planning. However, this review implies, that pregnancy rates as well as complications in pregnancy and during childbirth in women with ADatopic dermatitis overall are consistent with women without ADatopic dermatitis.

References

1. 1.Nørreslet, L. B., Agner, T., & Mortz, C. G. (2026). Pregnancy in women with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review of concerns and challenges. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 106. https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v106.adv-2026-0608