lorazepam

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

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

According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether lorazepam can make it harder to become pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does taking lorazepam increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes one study of benzodiazepines (including lorazepam) that suggested a higher chance of miscarriage between weeks 6 and 20 when these medications were used in pregnancy, but because the data are limited to this single study, it is not known whether lorazepam specifically increases that chance. This is something to discuss further with your healthcare provider.

Does taking lorazepam increase the risk of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts with a background risk of 3–5% for birth defects. The fact sheet states that lorazepam use in pregnancy has not been well studied, but based on the studies reviewed, it is unlikely to significantly increase the chance of birth defects. One study suggested a possible association with anal atresia and another with pulmonary valve stenosis, while two other studies did not find an increased chance of birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information for your situation.

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

Some studies have suggested a higher chance of preterm birth (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight (under about 2500 grams) in babies exposed to lorazepam in the second half of pregnancy, though not all studies found this, and factors other than lorazepam may have contributed. Use near the time of delivery may also cause temporary symptoms in newborns, sometimes called withdrawal, such as irritability, crying, sleep changes, tremors, breathing problems, or muscle weakness, which generally resolve within a few weeks. It is helpful to let your healthcare team know you are taking lorazepam so your baby can receive appropriate care if needed.

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

The fact sheet indicates that studies have not been done to determine whether lorazepam can cause behavior or learning problems in the child. Questions about long-term child development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking lorazepam?

The fact sheet reports that lorazepam passes into breast milk in low levels, and no negative effects were found in studies of children exposed through breast milk. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking lorazepam should be made together with your healthcare provider, who can address your individual questions and circumstances.

Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet