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MrsKing
10-07-08, 14:39
Hi, I suffer from general anxiety and was going to a social function that I was terrified about attending. My Doc prescribed Diazepam/beta blockers (even though he knew I was trying to get pregnant). I took them twice over two days.

I have since found out I am pregnant and that I took these meds just after conception. Even though I am only about 3 weeks gone now I am worried that I have caused some kind of defect in the baby.

Not on any meds now but does anyone have any exp of this? Thanks

lilly-lou
10-07-08, 14:47
Hi and welcome,

congrats on the pregnancy, I don't know anything about meds and harming your unborn baby but maybe you can speak to your doctor about this, I am sure he will be able to help.

lilly-lou

MrsKing
10-07-08, 15:34
Thanks, am going to doc tonight.

andie73
10-07-08, 15:37
Congratulations with the pregnancy. I'm no expert but I would doubt if taking the meds for such a short time would harm your baby. My cousin didn't know she was pregnant and continued to take the pill, which you're not meant to do in pregnancy. Her son was nearly ten pounds when born and is fit and healthy. I'm sure everything will be fine and your doctor will put your mind at rest.

Krakers
10-07-08, 17:33
Hi MrsKing - just need to say I'm not medically trained so please do still see your doctor to redress your worries. I hope I can be of some help though .....

At the moment theres no conclusive proof that Diazepam has any effect on unborn children except when taken in the third trimester. Even then its usually prolonged use and at a significant dose.

Its unlikely that the dose given to you by your doctor was more than probably 2x2mg (feel free to correct me !) which is quite low and given you only used it twice I personally wouldn't worry too much in the mean time.

Your doctor should be able to put your mind at rest when you do see them.

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Krakers.

decca
10-07-08, 18:19
Congrats on your pregnancy , you must be very ecxited.
I would trust your Doctor if I were you, you say he knew you were trying to get pregnant when he prescribed the meds. I'm sure your Doc. or one of the surgery midwifery team will reassure you if you contact them.
Decca.

Alabasterlyn
10-07-08, 18:38
At the moment theres no conclusive proof that Diazepam has any effect on unborn children except when taken in the third trimester. Even then its usually prolonged use and at a significant dose.



Krakers.

I didn't know it could affect an unborn child in the third trimester. I took Diazepam when I was around 6mths pregnant with my son. Can't remember how long I took it for now as it was 30yrs ago, but thankfully my son was fine :)

Krakers
10-07-08, 18:50
For more info on the third trimester see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diazepam#Pregnancy

However from reading around this I believe most symptoms caused can eventually be overcome in the first few months following birth. I'm no expert though, so worth following the references for further info.

Like I said - the only evidence that has been clinically demonstrated is in the third trimester.

Krakers.

Wee Lisa
10-07-08, 18:56
Congratulations :yesyes:


I wouldnt worry too much, as im sure taking the tablets once wont have affected you.............but speak to your doctor for peace of mind.

Take care+let us know how you get on

Lisa xx

decca
10-07-08, 19:03
Re; third trimester.
I think it relates to Benzo withdrawal syndrome ,meaning if the mother is on high dosage during the 27th to 42nd weeks of pregnancy the baby stands a chance of suffering withdrawal.
Developmental defects are more likely to occur if the baby is breast fed while the mother is taking benzo's but all of this seems theoretical at present.
Decca.

Angelic_one_
12-07-08, 21:11
I took Diazepam in my 3rd trimester with my youngest son who's now a happy healthy 7 yr old, i was told that they would wean me off it before his birth as he could be born listless and with breathing difficulties, luckily i had stopped taking it before they had to do this and although he was low birthweight 5lb 8.5 ounces- not connected to the Diazepam, all my kids were small- he was perfectly fine :D

Krakers
13-07-08, 15:15
Hi Decca and AngelicOne. benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine_withdrawal_syndrome) is just one of the main problems that could affect neonates exposed to Diazepam in their third trimester. However a withdrawal for a neonate cannot be compared directly to adult withdrawal.

A study performed at St Thomas's Hospital London which outline these effects is here http://www.sciencedirect.com/scidirimg/clear.gifdoi:10.1016/0890-6238(94)90029-9 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0890-6238%2894%2990029-9)

Unfortunately you have to pay for a copy of this report (however your local library should be able to source it). Symptoms can also include "... hypotonia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotonia), apnoeic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apnoeic) spells, cyanosis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanosis) and impaired metabolic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic) responses to cold stress. Floppy infant syndrome and sedation in the newborn may also occur..."

All of which I point out again has *only* been clinically demonstrated in the third trimester (or indeed if breast feeding while on the med).

So to go back to the original poster, once again you shouldn't have much to worry about. Having said that you said you were seeing your doc. Any chance of an update ?

Krakers.