2-5mg diazepam as a one-off dose at 28 weeks pregnant: how risky?

[EreniTheFrog]

I have a hospital appointment that I'm just beyond terrified of (due to PTSD etc), and I know that it will all go much more smoothly if I can avoid a panic attack in the waiting room and remain sufficiently anxiety-free throughout examinations to communicate clearly with the medical staff. In the past, I have used diazepam and it has usually helped enough to get through. But how safe or unsafe would it be as a one-off at 28 weeks pregnant?

[BummyMummy77]

It's cat D in the States.**

An increased risk of congenital malformations and other developmental abnormalities associated with the use of benzodiazepine drugs during pregnancy has been suggested.

[BummyMummy77]

"In general, the use of diazepam in women of childbearing potential, and more specifically during known pregnancy, should be considered only when the clinical situation warrants the risk to the fetus. The possibility that a woman of childbearing potential may be pregnant at the time of institution of therapy should be considered. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Patients should also be advised that if they become pregnant during therapy or intend to become pregnant they should communicate with their physician about the desirability of discontinuing the drug."

[EreniTheFrog]

Not relevant. That guidance ^^ refers to regular use of diazepam throughout pregnancy though, not as a one-off at a specific point within pregnancy.

Anyone know anything about one-off use at 28 weeks?

[5toMidnight]

Wow, bit rude.

[unweavedrainbow]

A one of use is probably fine. 2-5mg is a tiny dose anyway. You do have to be careful of foetal respiratory respiratory depression/sleepiness/reduced movement but I would suggest that 2-5mg isn't a high enough dose for that to be an issue.
It's always worth getting a medical opinion though, especially if you need it to be prescribed. Have you talked to a GP?

[AGruffaloCrumble]

Rude.

[MrsLettuce]

High anxiety can present as rudeness, but, yes that was rather rude.

You need to seek advice from your GP or midwife OP. This isn't something it'd be sensible for MNers to advise on.

I hope they give it the ok, or are able to provide other options. Sounds like you really will need some help to deal with the appointment

[BummyMummy77]

Sorry I didn't mean to offend I was just trying to give you the information I had.

[BummyMummy77]

And the definition of category d is:

Category D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
So I guess it would be down to each doctor's opinion (if it's the same in the UK.)

[Mouthfulofquiz]

As a one off I probably would. You aren't nearing labour so if it did make your baby drowsy it would be in less risky circumstances.
What does the doctor overseeing this think?

[AndNowItsSeven]

I have had Valium as one offs in pregnancy, it is safe.
Ibuprofen for example is more dangerous.

[EreniTheFrog]

I really am very sorry.. I hadn't realised that was rude. Thank you for pointing it out. I do apologise. As the poster upthread says, I am panicking. I am sorry.

[BummyMummy77]

No worries at all. I know how awful that creeping panic is and shouldn't have been so blunt and insensitive so I'm sorry too.

[MammyHester9116]

I was prescribed 2mgs as a one off during pregnancy when my back went into spasm. I had previously taken it for my back and knew after 2 doses my back would be much better.
I was about 30 weeks my lb is now 10 months.
I also took as a one off while breastfeeding!
Hope you feel ok.
P.S. I was also frustrated that when looking for information it was about regular use rather than as a one off.