What effect does Valium have on babies?

Understanding the Effects of Valium on Babies
Valium, known generically as diazepam, is a medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, its use during pregnancy and its effects on newborns raise significant concerns among healthcare professionals and expectant mothers alike.
Risks During Pregnancy
The administration of Valium during pregnancy can pose risks to the developing fetus. While occasional, small doses may be considered safe, prolonged use, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, can lead to complications. Babies born to mothers who have taken Valium may experience drowsiness, a condition often referred to as “floppy baby syndrome,” characterized by decreased muscle tone and lethargy. This is particularly concerning as it can affect the newborn’s ability to feed and respond to stimuli effectively.
Moreover, the potential for withdrawal symptoms in newborns is another critical issue. Infants exposed to benzodiazepines like Valium in utero may exhibit signs of withdrawal after birth, which can include irritability, feeding difficulties, and increased sensitivity to stimuli. These symptoms can complicate the newborn’s transition to life outside the womb, necessitating careful monitoring and management.
Effects on Newborns
Research indicates that the effects of Valium on newborns can be severe. In cases where diazepam was administered to treat convulsions in neonates, there have been reports of serious side effects, including coma, hypotonia (reduced muscle tone), and feeding difficulties. These adverse reactions highlight the need for caution when considering the use of this medication in very young patients.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of in utero exposure to Valium are still not fully understood. While some studies suggest that the immediate effects can be managed, the potential for lasting developmental issues remains a concern among pediatricians and researchers.
Conclusion
In summary, while Valium can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, its use during pregnancy and its effects on newborns warrant careful consideration. The risks of sedation, withdrawal symptoms, and serious side effects in infants underscore the importance of consulting healthcare providers before using this medication. Expectant mothers should be fully informed of the potential consequences to ensure the health and well-being of their babies.

What effect does benzodiazepine have on baby?

A recent study conducted by the Yale University School of Medicine found that pregnancies with maternal use of benzodiazepines are 2.5 times more likely to result in cesarean delivery (C-section birth) and almost 3 times more likely to result in a need for ventilatory support for the newborn baby.

How many hours is the effect of Valium?

How Long Does Valium Last? Unlike other benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, Valium is a long-lasting medication. The effects of Valium can range from four hours to beyond 12 hours. Certain groups of people may experience longer-lasting effects from Valium compared to others.

Does Valium affect birth control?

Diazepam will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. But some contraceptive pills can keep diazepam in your body for longer and increase its effect. You can also get bleeding in between your periods if you take diazepam and contraceptive pills together.

Does Valium affect milk supply?

Diazepam passes into breast milk in variable amounts, but these are usually small. The long half-life of diazepam and its active metabolites increases the risk of accumulation in breastfed infants. Adverse effects reported include sedation and poor feeding and weight loss.

What are the bad things about diazepam?

Diazepam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness.
• dizziness.
• tiredness.
• muscle weakness.
• headache.
• dry mouth.
• nausea.
• constipation.

What happens when a baby takes Valium?

Prolonged use of benzodiazepines near term, especially in high doses, is associated with a risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome and/or “floppy infant syndrome” and monitoring for neonatal respiratory depression is advised. Use of diazepam around term should therefore be avoided unless use can be clinically justified.

What are the side effects of diazepam in infants?

Diazepam can cause problems such as breathing, sleepiness, and less movement in fetuses. Taking diazepam late in pregnancy can also cause problems in newborns. Examples include muscle weakness, breathing and eating problems, low body temperatures, and withdrawal symptoms.

What effect does diazepam have on neonate?

Side effects of benzodiazepines in nonseizing human neonates include myoclonus, seizures, and abnormal movements. Excitatory actions of GABA may underlie both side effects and reduced anticonvulsant activity of benzodiazepines.

What does diazepam do to a child?

Your child may have difficulty controlling their movements (ataxia) or walking, may develop difficulty talking, become irritable or show odd behaviour, or they may feel light-headed (as if they may faint). Diazepam may make these symptoms worse in children who already have them. Contact your doctor if this happens.

What is the best anxiety medication to take while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.