diazepam

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.

Can taking diazepam affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?

It is not known whether taking diazepam can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while using this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does taking diazepam increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and it is not known whether diazepam increases that chance. Anyone with questions about their individual situation should talk with their healthcare provider.

Does taking diazepam increase the risk of birth defects?

Every pregnancy begins with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. Based on the studies reviewed in the fact sheet, diazepam is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects above this background risk; older studies suggested a small possible increase in cleft lip or palate, but larger, better-designed recent studies have not confirmed this. Any decisions about use should be made together with a healthcare provider.

Can taking diazepam during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?

Some, but not all, studies have reported that diazepam or other benzodiazepines in pregnancy might be associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, or smaller head size. Because pregnancy complications can have many causes, it is difficult to know whether the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors are responsible. Use near or throughout delivery can also cause temporary newborn symptoms (sometimes called withdrawal or "floppy infant syndrome"), so it is important your healthcare team knows you are taking it.

Can taking diazepam during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?

It is not known whether diazepam increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. Some studies have reported more anxiety, sadness, or fearfulness in exposed children, and one study suggested a slightly higher chance of autism or ADHD with benzodiazepines—though when siblings were compared, that increase was no longer seen, suggesting genetic factors may play a larger role. These questions are best discussed with your healthcare provider.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking diazepam?

Diazepam passes into breast milk in small amounts and can build up in a baby's system with regular use, which might cause sleepiness or affect weight gain. The product label recommends against use while breastfeeding, but the fact sheet notes the benefits of treatment may outweigh possible risks in some situations. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the options and decide what is best for you and your baby, and the child's provider should be contacted if symptoms like trouble feeding, breathing, poor weight gain, or excessive sleepiness occur.

Source: National Library of Medicine