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Diazepam in pregnancy to treat insomnia. AIBU to be scared of taking it?

29 replies

WelliesAndPyjamas · 18/09/2008 15:57

I'm 17 wks pregnant and am having terrible trouble sleeping - I sleep for 2 or 3 hours then I am wide awake for about 4 hours before I can start to fall asleep again briefly until it is time to wake up. I've tried everything that is normally suggested and nothing. I'm getting quite sick of the taste of chamomille tea now!!

I mentioned this to my ante-natal doctor yesterday and he prescribed 2mg Diazepam, one to be taken when required at bedtime. Now bear in mind this was through a language barrier so whilst I did double check with him that this dose was safe, we were not able to have an in depth discussion about risks and side effects. Sooooo I just googled diazepam in pregnancy and I don't like what I've found: risk of growth retardation, risk of cleft palate, and other effects.

Are there any medically knowledgeable people out there who would kindly give me their thoughts on taking this drug in the 2nd trimester? Or anyone who has been in a similar position and knows something about the drug or other ways of getting around the insomnia? I've asked at a chemist about taking herbal sleep remedies but they said there was nothing available that was safe in pregnancy without prescription.

Many many thanks

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 19/09/2008 12:16

I second what emma says, riven.

You know I have a daughter with severe dyspraxia and a small head and it affects her in so many ways. Well, you know the story, retained at stage, still not potty-trained at 5, muscle spasms, etc.

And for a long time I thought about how I drank so much vodka and Red Bull I threw up before I knew I was pregnant (wasn't even late with my period yet at the time) and then I thought maybe it was the ranitidine and that other Prilosec or whatever I had to take in third trimester after getting that ulcer in my oesophagus and having to go to hospital.

But I had a long talk with her paed about it a couple of weeks ago and whilst we'll never know what caused her condition, it's likely it's genetic because DH, his brother and their dad have such marked dyspraxia and LDs and BIL has a small head, too.

Don't let guilt eat you up!

It's equally likely your daughter's condition was caused by the birth trauma.

Conditions like insomnia can get out of control and have the potential to be negative as insomnia can cause a lot more corticosteroids to be released in teh bloodstream and elevated blood pressure, so you have to weigh up the negatives as well.

I took low dose diazepam, too, with DD2. She's not going SN like her elder sister.

I also took anti-depressants. Antenatal depression left untreated can cause low birth weight and preterm delivery. AS it is, DD2 was born 4 days before her sister, as 38+2 and weighed 8 oz. less.

WowOoo · 19/09/2008 13:33

Blimey, have just read some more posts and have been bawling my eyes out here!

Guess it's the insomnia that makes me over- emotional!

Yes, dealing with stress/issues bit by bit and trying to clear your head will help. Onwards and upwards...

WelliesAndPyjamas · 22/09/2008 11:25

WowOoo. Hoep you are managing to get some sleep. Like you said, onwards and upwards . I've had two so-so nights sleep now, with only one to two hours of lying awake - so I'm feeling almost ok at the mo!! Have decided against the diazepam altogether now after everyone I've talked to, family and friends, have been set against it too. Chamomile Chamomile Chamomile for me then!!

OP posts:
jemiheva · 15/06/2009 22:36

I took diazepam 5mg (only once) when i was 18 wks because i could not sleep for a week and i felt terrible. I am now 21 weeks pregnant and i am very worried as i heard that diazepam could harm my baby. Please let me know your comments

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