midazolam
Midazolam is given before medical procedures or before anesthesia for surgery to cause drowsiness, relieve anxiety, and avoid any memory of the event. Midazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow relaxation and sleep.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking midazolam affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done in humans to see if taking midazolam could make it harder to get pregnant. In one experimental animal study, midazolam did not affect fertility. Anyone with questions about fertility and this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking midazolam increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if midazolam could increase the chance of miscarriage. This is a question to raise with a healthcare provider who knows the individual situation.
Does taking midazolam increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect, and this can happen in any pregnancy. Studies have not been done in humans to see if midazolam can increase the chance of birth defects, and animal studies did not find a higher chance. Early reports on other benzodiazepines suggested a slight increase in cleft lip and/or palate with first-trimester use, but later studies and reviews have not confirmed this; discuss specific concerns with a healthcare provider.
Can taking midazolam during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Studies have not been done to see if midazolam increases the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. If midazolam is used near the end of pregnancy, such as during a C-section, newborns may have temporary symptoms like trouble breathing soon after birth, although not all exposed babies have this issue and C-section itself can cause temporary breathing problems. Individual circumstances should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking midazolam during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Studies have not been done to see if midazolam increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. Animal studies suggest that midazolam, in combination with other general anesthesia medications, might affect the developing brain, and based on this the FDA has suggested avoiding midazolam for general anesthesia and sedation during the third trimester for surgeries not related to delivery. Short exposure during a C-section has not been associated with learning issues; a healthcare provider can discuss the specifics of any planned procedure.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking midazolam?
Midazolam has not been well studied during breastfeeding, though small amounts can pass into breast milk after a single IV dose. When midazolam is given as part of general anesthesia or as a single dose, breastfeeding can generally be restarted once the parent is ready and side effects like sleepiness have passed; some professional organizations suggest delaying breastfeeding for at least 4 hours after the procedure. If more than one IV dose is given, the baby can be watched for sleepiness, low energy, or poor suckling, and any concerns should be discussed with the child's healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
midazolam