Does taking clonazepam increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if clonazepam can increase the chance of miscarriage. One study found that people who were taking more than 4 mg/day of clonazepam had a slightly higher chance of miscarriage. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if a medication, the medical condition, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.
Does taking clonazepam increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Data on the use of clonazepam only in pregnancy is limited. Information from a small number of studies of individuals taking clonazepam only during pregnancy has not found an increased chance of birth defects. There might be different risks for individuals who take clonazepam in combination with other medications.
Does taking clonazepam in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
It is not known if clonazepam can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). Two prescription record studies suggested that babies exposed to clonazepam during pregnancy might be more likely to be born preterm or with low birth weight. Studies based on filled prescriptions/prescription records cannot tell if a person took the medication. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to the medication or other factors.
I need to take clonazepam throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?
The use of clonazepam during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Some babies exposed to clonazepam at the end of pregnancy might have trouble breathing, poor circulation, and low muscle tone (floppy baby syndrome). Some babies might need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Not all babies exposed to clonazepam will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking clonazepam so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.
Does taking clonazepam in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
It is not known if clonazepam can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. A study of 314 children exposed to clonazepam during pregnancy found an increased chance of intellectual disability and delayed developmental milestones. One study of 269 children exposed to clonazepam during pregnancy did not find an increased chance of autism.
A prescription record study found no increased chance for autism or intellectual disability when clonazepam was used in the first trimester of pregnancy to treat seizures. This report did find an increased chance for intellectual disability in those exposed to clonazepam for something other than seizures. Studies based on filled prescriptions/prescription records cannot tell if a person took the medication. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to the medication or other factors.
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