Pregnancy is an exciting and difficult time for a woman. A time of considerable joy when a mother awaits bringing a new life into the world. But in some cases due to hormone changes in the body women suffer from anxiety. Benzodiazepine medicines like Ativan and Xanax is best for the treatment of anxiety. We all know that pregnant women can not take several medicines because they can affect the fetus. So here we look at Xanax And Pregnancy information and “Can you take Xanax while pregnant”.
Xanax In Pregnancy
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. When it comes to pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid taking Xanax and Klonopin (like anti-anxiety medicines) unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Xanax can cross the placenta and potentially affect the developing baby.
Studies have suggested that taking Xanax during pregnancy may increase the risk of various complications such as birth defects, low birth weight, premature birth, respiratory problems, and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your situation and discuss alternatives so that Xanax safe during pregnancy.
Why People Take Alprazolam In Pregnancy
In pregnancy, hormone changes and other stress related to newborn babies can cause anxiety. If you previously have anxiety then it becomes serious. So they feel uncomfortable signs such as
- Agitation
- Racing thoughts
- Interrupted sleep
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Poor memory and concentration
These symptoms can affect their daily life so they want to take medicines like Buspirone and Xanax to minimize it.
Not treating anxiety disorders during pregnancy can cause different problems like missed doctor’s appointments, poor eating habits, and alcohol or drug consumption which may lead to harm to you and the fetus. As a result, issues like low birth weight and premature birth can show in the future. Using Xanax to treat anxiety could benefit your pregnancy in some cases.
Is It Safe To Take Xanax While Pregnant?
Doctors generally recommend avoiding taking Xanax during pregnancy unless necessary. Xanax belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which can potentially cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. There is a risk of birth defects, withdrawal symptoms in newborns, and other complications associated with the use of Xanax during pregnancy.
Xanax effect depends on the time when you use this medicine. It can cause serious problems throughout your entire pregnancy, so you should avoid Xanax during early pregnancy and other trimesters.
Xanax and Pregnancy First Trimester:
Taking Xanax during your first trimester such as 1 to 3 months of pregnancy could pose higher risks for birth defects. Because this medicine can cross the placenta and potentially affect fetal development. This can affect the child rest of their life.
During the first trimester, the baby’s organs and systems are forming, and exposure to Xanax may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities or other adverse effects. There is a potential risk of birth defects, particularly in the facial and cardiac areas, and there is also an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
Xanax and Pregnancy Second Trimester:
Using Xanax during the second trimester such as 4 to 6 months may still pose a risk of birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse effects. During this stage, the baby’s organs continue to develop, and potential risks to the baby’s health and development remain a concern. Additionally, continued use of Xanax during pregnancy can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn after birth.
It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the use of other medicines like Gabapentin and Xanax during pregnancy. They can assess your situation and guide the safest treatment options for managing anxiety or other conditions. Consider discussing alternative medications or non-pharmacological approaches such as therapy or relaxation techniques that may be safer for you and your baby.
Xanax and Pregnancy Third Trimester:
During the third trimester of pregnancy such as 7 to 9 months, the risks associated with taking Alprazolam are still present. The baby’s organs are largely developed by this stage, but Xanax use during this time can still have negative effects. Never take CNS stimulants like Adderall and Xanax (CNS depressants) or Zoloft and Xanax combination during pregnancy.
During this stage, it may increase the risk of respiratory depression in the baby after birth. This means that the baby may have difficulty breathing on their own and may require assistance or monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Suddenly discontinuing the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. These symptoms may include irritability, tremors, feeding difficulties, and seizures.
Can Xanax Cause False Positive Pregnancy Tests?
Other medications can also cause false positive pregnancy tests. They include but aren’t limited to anti-anxiety medications, like Valium and Xanax, or antipsychotics, such as clozapine or chlorpromazine, and Suboxone and Xanax.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss any concerns or medication needs with your healthcare provider. They will consider the potential risks and benefits of taking it or any other medications during pregnancy and determine the safest course of action for you and your baby.
Danger of Taking Xanax During Pregnancy
Taking Xanax (alprazolam) during pregnancy can pose several risks to both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Some potential dangers of Xanax in pregnancy include:
Increased Xanax Birth Defects:
Studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects when Xanax is used during the first trimester of pregnancy. These defects can involve the baby’s heart, limbs, or other organs.
Respiratory Problems In Newborns:
Xanax use during pregnancy may increase the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns.
Neonatal Abstinence (withdrawal) Symptoms:
If Xanax is used during late pregnancy or close to delivery, the baby may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. These symptoms may include
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Feeding difficulties
- Trouble sleeping
- Low heart rate
- Trouble sucking/eating
- Uneven breathing
- Cyanosis
- Seizures
Cognitive and Developmental Issues:
Some studies suggest that exposure to benzodiazepines like Ativan, Valium, and Xanax during pregnancy may be associated with long-term cognitive and developmental issues in children.
Floppy Infant Syndrome:
It is also called hypotonia and has low muscle tone. They may have difficulty controlling their head, arms, and legs, which may continue at least 2 to 3 weeks after the birth.
Low Birth Weight:
When a baby is born weighing less than five pounds and eight ounces, they are considered to have a low birth weight. Babies born with low birth weights are often behind developmentally in other ways as well.
Low birth weight often occurs when babies are born prematurely, which happens when babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss your medication use with your healthcare provider. They can guide the safest options for managing anxiety or any other conditions you may have during pregnancy. It may be possible to switch to safer alternative medications or explore non-pharmacological approaches such as therapy or relaxation techniques.
Conclusion:
Taking Xanax during pregnancy may increase the risk of various complications such as birth defects, low birth weight, premature birth, respiratory problems, and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Never take alcohol and Xanax during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol always affects the health of humans and using this with Xanax can cause a more dangerous situation. If you or someone you love abuses Xanax during pregnancy, please contact us today.