Reproductive studies in animals were performed in mice, rats, and two strains of rabbits. Occasional anomalies (reduction of tarsals, tibia, metatarsals, malrotated limbs, gastroschisis, malformed skull, and microphthalmia) were seen in drug-related rabbits without relationship to dosage. Although all of these anomalies were not present in the concurrent control group, they have all been reported to occur randomly in historical controls. At doses of 40 mg/kg orally or 4 mg/kg intravenously and higher, there was evidence of fetal resorption and increased fetal loss in rabbits which was not seen at lower doses. Pregnancy: Reproductive studies in animals were performed in mice ativan and pregnancy, rats, and two strains of rabbits. Occasional anomalies (reduction of tarsals, tibia, metatarsals, malrotated limbs, gastroschisis, malformed skull, and microphthalmia) were seen in drug-treated rabbits without relationship to dosage. Although all of these anomalies were not present in the concurrent control group, they have been reported to occur randomly in historical controls. At doses of 40 mg/kg and higher, there was evidence of total resorption and increased fetal loss in rabbits which was not seen at lower doses. The clinical significance of the above findings is not known ativan. However, an increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of minor tranquilizers (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and meprobamate) during the first trimester of pregnancy has been suggested in several studies. Because the use of these drugs is rarely a matter of urgency, the use of ativan during this period should almost always be avoided ativan and pregnancy. The possibility that a woman of childbearing potential may be pregnant at the time of institution of therapy should be considered. Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant, they should communicate with their physician about the desirability of discontinuing the drug. In humans, blood levels obtained from umbilical cord blood indicate placental transfer of lorazepam and lorazepam glucuronide. Nursing Mothers ativan and pregnancy: It is not known whether oral lorazepam is excreted in human milk like the other benzodiazepine tranquilizers. As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug since many drugs are excreted in human milk.
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Effects During Pregnancy:
Benzodiazepines are addictive to both the mother and the baby. The baby is less able to cope with tranquillisers than the mother. It is recommended that the use of benzodiazepines be avoided during pregnancy and close to the time of birth as they can be harmful if taken continuously or in high doses ( Australian Drug Evaluation Committee ). Benzodiazepines can produce withdrawal symptoms in new-born babies. Withdrawal symptoms can include breathing problems, poor body temperature control, poor muscle tone, and difficult sucking. The babies can appear floppy or limp and this poor muscle tone can last for a number of months, although the babies do eventually recover. If benzodiazepines have been used consistently throughout the pregnancy, withdrawal symptoms can last for one week or more (although they can take some days to appear). The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s): 1. Australian Drug Foundation, Alcohol, Other Drugs and pregnancy