Ativan and Pregnancy

What is Ativan?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine, or benzos that doctors prescribe to help people with anxiety.

It works by slowing the activity in your brain, allowing you to relax.

While it is an excellent option to help treat anxiety in the short term, it is not meant for long-term use.

It is not safe for pregnant women because it poses a risk to the unborn baby.

Understanding Ativan and Pregnancy

Ativan is a Class D drug, which means women should not take Ativan while pregnant unless it is necessary for their survival.

For decades, studies have shown that taking Ativan in the first trimester can lead to issues like cleft palates and heart malformations. Other studies have shown additional risks when benzos are taken in the late stages of pregnancy.

One of the significant dangers is floppy infant syndrome, where the baby is very lethargic after birth and has difficulty feeding and breathing. This happens because the baby becomes addicted to Ativan while still in the womb and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Other potential signs of benzo withdrawal in infants include diarrhea, restlessness, and vomiting.

Effects and Abuse of Ativan While Pregnant

Like many other medications, Ativan and other benzos cause several negative physical health effects. These effects are often worse when taking Ativan while pregnant.

These effects typically include:

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Excessive hunger or lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Problems urinating or needing to urinate more frequently
• Restlessness
• Sleepiness
• Tiredness or weakness

Many of these negative physical health effects are also issues that women experience during pregnancy — making it challenging to determine whether they are normal side effects of pregnancy or the result of taking Ativan while pregnant.

Mental Illness and Benzos

If you are taking Ativan while pregnant, the chances are high that you have an existing mental health condition.

Even for people who are not pregnant and struggling with anxiety, benzos are not meant for long-term use. They are intended for short-term use to avoid the risk of addiction.

Ativan is considered one of the milder benzodiazepines and not as addictive as other options, but it still carries a risk for abuse and addiction. If abused for long periods, the change of an overdose is possible.

If you are pregnant and taking Ativan, it is essential to discuss the situation with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication. 

How Does Someone Abuse Benzos?

The real risk of taking Ativan while pregnant is when a woman is abusing it.

When taken in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed, all benzos can get a person high by making them feel relaxed and euphoric. Some people take extra pills to feel these effects, while others crush the pills to inhale them or dissolve them in water to inject them. Abusing benzos in these ways can very quickly lead to an addiction.

It can be challenging to admit that you have an Ativan addiction when you are pregnant. However, getting treatment is extremely important for both your health and the health of your baby.

The longer you abuse Ativan, the higher the risk that your baby will be born with a birth defect or pre-existing addiction. If you continue to abuse Ativan after your baby is born, you risk transmitting it through your breastmilk too.

Treatment

As with other addictions, there are many different addiction treatment options available for Ativan and pregnancy.

We often recommend our clients begin treatment with detox through one of our partners. When you are addicted to benzos and stop taking them, you experience many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can be even more difficult to deal with when you are pregnant. By completing a medically-supervised detox program, you have the reassurance of a professional team of specialists overseeing every step of the detox.

We may be able to slowly taper you off Ativan or also be able to help lessen your withdrawal symptoms with medications. Both tactics help gradually reduce and eliminate your dependence on Ativan.

Once you have completed detox, you begin the next step in the recovery journey.

One of the best options to treat addiction and an underlying mental health issue is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is effective for both issues because it helps you learn how your thinking influences your behavior. It also provides you with effective drug-free ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

Payment Information

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it?

We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification.

We work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

Free Insurance Verification for Rehab for Those Struggling with Ativan While Pregnant

How to Get Help

Are you or a loved one suffering from Ativan and pregnancy addiction?

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we understand how difficult it can be to give up an addiction because, with long-term use, the mind is continuously remembering the euphoric feelings.

Our dedicated team will help you customize a treatment plan to rediscover natural euphoria.

Our goal is for you to leave Emerald Isle Health & Recovery with mental fortitude and coping skills to maintain lifelong sobriety.

Call Emerald Isle Health & Recovery to schedule an appointment.

We challenge you to make a fresh start with us today.