Ativan and Pregnancy

In animal studies that looked at Ativan and pregnancy, the medication was shown to cause miscarriages and birth defects. The FDA classifies Ativan as a pregnancy Category D medication, meaning that that the drug is generally considered unsafe for pregnant women. However, a doctor may still prescribe Ativan during pregnancy if the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to her unborn child.

 

An Overview of Ativan and Pregnancy

Ativan® (lorazepam) is generally considered unsafe for women who are pregnant. In previous animal studies involving Ativan and pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages and birth defects.
 

Ativan and Pregnancy Category D

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. A pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
Ativan was given a pregnancy Category D rating because of problems in animal studies. These studies suggested that Ativan may increase the risk of miscarriages and various birth defects.
 
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Ativan, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;