The safety of using benzodiazepines in pregnancy is questionable, with different sources offering different opinions on the possibility of the drugs negatively affecting a fetus. Some studies have found an increased incidence of birth defects such as cleft palates and heart problems when these medications are taken, as well as other problems at the time of birth like difficulty feeding and regulating body temperature. Others have found no increase in these issues at all. It is important to take the mother’s mental health into account, of course, as these drugs help control anxiety disorders that can also be a risk during pregnancy, but they are also not the only option. In general, it is probably safest to avoid benzodiazepines in pregnancy when other, safer treatment options are available and effective.
Research has provided mixed findings when it comes to the question of benzodiazepines in pregnancy. Some early studies indicated that taking benzodiazepines, particularly during the first trimester, could increase the chances of defects, particularly in the palate and heart. Other research demonstrated a relationship between taking the drugs in the third trimester and increased problems shortly after delivery, including hypotonicity, apnea, and weak suckling during feeding. These studies sometimes had complicating factors, however, including mothers with other disorders and unclear medical histories.
Additional studies have sometimes found no relationship between fetal or neonatal issues and use of benzodiazepines in pregnancy. However, research on individual drugs like chlordiazepoxide and clonazepam have offered mixed findings. Overall, the safety of using these medications, which easily cross the placental barrier, is still not clear.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. These types of conditions can be potentially harmful to a woman during pregnancy, leading to dangerous or otherwise detrimental behaviors that could affect her health and that of the fetus. Therefore, the benefits of taking benzodiazepines in pregnancy may outweigh the risks of fetal exposure to the drugs.
Due to their possible negative effects, other treatment options should be considered before the decision is made to give a woman benzodiazepines in pregnancy. Drugs that have proven to be safer for the growing fetus, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may be just as effective. Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy may also work and help avoid the use of medication. If these treatments are not effective, selective benzodiazepines may need to be considered, but if possible it is probably better to avoid them.
