Benzodiazepines, also referred to as “benzos,” are prescription medications which may be prescribed to those suffering from certain anxiety disorders, insomnia, or seizures.
Pregnant women may take benzodiazepines as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
However, there are risks associated with the use of benzodiazepines in pregnant women even with short-term use.
Therefore, it is not advised to take benzodiazepines while pregnant unless the woman expecting suffers from a mental health condition that requires benzodiazepine medication use.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), benzodiazepines are anxiolytic drugs and Schedule IV controlled substances, which means they have the potential for psychological and physical dependence.
Benzodiazepines are considered to be sedative-hypnotic drugs which help relieve anxiety.
Examples Of Benzodiazepines
Some of the benzodiazepines which may be prescribed to you include:
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- diazepam (Valium)
- triazolam (Halcion)
Benzodiazepine Use & Pregnancy
While a small percentage of women are prescribed benzodiazepines and other medications such as opioids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics during pregnancy according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not advised unless absolutely necessary.
Some women may experience depression which can require the use of benzodiazepine drugs in pregnancy.
Speak with your prescribing doctor before allowing your baby to be exposed to benzodiazepines in utero. Benzodiazepine exposure during pregnancy can lead to a variety of side effects, including some which can be life-threatening for the child.
Benzodiazepines & Breastfeeding
In addition, women who are breastfeeding should avoid benzodiazepines, as the drug may pass from mother to child through the lactation process. A baby may experience withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability and feeding problems.
Dangers Of Taking Benzodiazepines During Pregnancy
There may be negative neonatal outcomes if a woman participates in benzodiazepine abuse during pregnancy. In fact, serious dangers to the child can occur.
Some of the negative pregnancy outcomes which can take place consist of:
- birth defects
- congenital malformations
- low birth weight
- early pregnancy or preterm birth
- spontaneous abortion
If benzodiazepine use occurs during the first trimester, teratogenic complications can impact the pregnancy. Prenatal exposure may occur when the benzodiazepine taken penetrates the placenta and affects the fetus.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine drug use, consider the potential risks to you and your child. Participate in drug safety practices and begin your road to sobriety today.
At Bedrock Recovery Center, we offer medical detox programs, inpatient mental health care options, and specialized case management services. To learn more, please contact us today.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Pregnant Women Report Taking Medicines for Anxiety and Other Mental Health Conditions https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/features/pregnant-women-taking-anxiety-meds.html
- Birth Defects Research — Use of benzodiazepine medications during pregnancy and potential risk for birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7186570/
- JAMA Network — Associations of Maternal Use of Benzodiazepines or Benzodiazepine-like Hypnotics During Pregnancy With Immediate Pregnancy Outcomes in Norway https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7309438/
- PLoS Medicine — First-trimester exposure to benzodiazepines and risk of congenital malformations in offspring: A population-based cohort study in South Korea https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8926183/
- PLoS Medicine — Impact of prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics on behavioral problems at 5 years of age: A study from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6553737/
