Ativan and a pregnant woman?

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I really don't know much about OB, so I thought I would throw this out to the experts!

My daughter (who is due in April) was dx with an inner ear infection. They at first gave her meclizine and I think phenergan. Well, she didn't get any better: constantly ill, dizzy, etc. She finally went to the ER where, she is pretty sure, they gave her IV Ativan and PO meclizine. They wrote her a script for Ativan.

Of course, when she got home and started reading the "warnings", it said that it can cause fetal deformaties. She called me in a panic! I looked up Ativan and IT WAS A CLASS D! I didn't know what to tell her except don't take any more (she had just the IV and maybe 3- 1mg.) She had to go back to the ER the next night (she had gotten worse), and they asked THAT doc why was she given Ativan? Knowing the effect on the fetus! HE NEVER ANSWERED HER! Just talked about why she was given meclizine!

So, my question is: since she only took a total of 5 mg (2mg IV and 3 mg PO) - just your learned opinion - does she have any worries? What exactly does Ativan do to the fetus? Have you ever given it to 1st trimesters?

Thanks for any info in advance! I won't tell her what you guys tell me! It is more for my info!

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

As an Onco nurse, I was always taught that Ativan was a major MAJOR NO-NO for pregnant women. I believe there is quite a bit documentation of fetal problems with it.

What little that I have worked with pregnant women, I don't even remember ever using it with them.

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I have given Ativan to some pregnant patients I have taken care of. I don't remember what trimester, though. If she is concerned have her contact her OB/Gyn and see what he has to say. Good luck and I hope she starts feeling better soon.

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Hi. I took up to 30mg of Ativan during the first month of pregnancy since I never knew I was pregnant. I was on 2 mg a day for anxiety.(ouch) Anyways, there was nothing wrong with the baby at birth and still nothing wrong with her to this day.

Z

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Originally posted by z's playa

Hi. I took up to 30mg of Ativan during the first month of pregnancy since I never knew I was pregnant. I was on 2 mg a day for anxiety.(ouch) Anyways, there was nothing wrong with the baby at birth and still nothing wrong with her to this day.

Z

THANK YOU, THANK YOU! This was very reassuring! I know every one is different but even one success is encouraging!:D

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In different situations, as a Nurse Practitioner, my Physician and I have used Ativan for the short term in different trimesters of pregnancy.

I do not LIKE to use it. I would STOP using it. I would NEVER TAKE it unless it were LIFE AND DEATH. We have only used it when it was a case that it we had no other choice.

But, the times that we have used it, we have used it and never had a problem. We've done this, after consulting with my wife, who is an Ob/Gyn.

Now, I would call you daughters Ob/Gyn AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! He needs to be aware that she took the Ativan, how she took it, and how much. Its very good that you have this information! ::thumbs up to you!::

He/she can give you the best advice based on your daughters history, as well as monitor her for future problems.

I can't for certain that no harm has/will be done. Only speak from my past expeirence.

Best wishes to all involved. Remember in the end, there will be a baby that all will love, no matter what!

David Adams, ARNP

-ACNP, FNP

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