Is Ativan Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy and Anxiety

Weighing the risks and benefits of Ativan use in pregnancy should be a collaborative effort between the patient and her physician. While lorazepam does present the possibility of certain complications and birth defects, leaving anxiety untreated can also have negative repercussions for a pregnant woman and her baby.

American Family Physician estimates that approximately half a million pregnant American women suffer from psychiatric disorders during their pregnancy. Many anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia, are more common in women than in men. Pregnancy can trigger anxiety symptoms or make anxiety worse, especially in women who don’t have a strong social support network or who are faced with financial or social stress.

Risks vs. Benefits of Ativan

Research has not established a strong relationship between Ativan use and serious complications of pregnancy, such as premature labor or damage to the placenta. There are a limited number of studies have shown that Ativan may increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight. Additionally:

• Most of the health risks of Ativan affect developing infants and newborn babies. Lorazepam has been associated with a slightly higher than average (0.7 percent) risk of cleft lip and cleft palate in newborns, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
• There is a risk of drug withdrawal in infants whose mothers have been using Ativan. Withdrawal symptoms can include: sedation, difficulty breathing, irritability, and “floppy baby syndrome.”
• Because small amounts of Ativan are passed from mother to baby in breast milk, the medication is also not advised for breastfeeding women due to a risk of over-sedation in the infant.

In a few cases, seizures have been reported in infants who were withdrawing from the effects of benzodiazepines, but these incidents are rare. Serious signs of Ativan toxicity are more common in babies whose mothers are heavy users of this drug. Women who take Ativan with alcohol, opiates, or street drugs during pregnancy increase the risk of complications with pregnancy, premature delivery, low birth weight, and birth defects even further.

Effects of Untreated Anxiety on Pregnancy

There is an association between low birth weight, complications, and maternal anxiety, making it important to identify and find safe interventions. According to recent studies, untreated anxiety in pregnant people can result in a number of effects on the infant, including:

• Low birth weight and height.
• Prolonged crying, irritability, and restlessness.
• Rash, shortness of breath, and asthma.

Pregnant people struggling with mental illness may be less likely to follow nutritional guidelines, take prenatal vitamins, or attend their prenatal checkups. American Family Physician adds that complications with pregnancy, such as premature delivery and miscarriage, are also more common among pregnant people with anxiety disorders. Finding an alternative to Ativan and other potentially harmful drugs may be the most effective way to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Safe Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety can be a serious problem during pregnancy, especially if the disorder is not treated, but not all treatments and medications are safe for pregnant people or their developing babies. Unfortunately, many pregnant women do not report their symptoms to a healthcare provider or loved one, and many do not receive treatment. However, there are safe treatments for anxiety.