Uso de ansiolíticos e hipnóticos durante el embarazo y la lactancia

A review is presented on the use of anxiolytics and hypnotics during pregnancy and lactation. An analysis is made on their teratogenic effect, as well as the associated perinatal syndromes and the possible effects on the development of the newborn child. It is concluded that the evidence from the studies is insufficient to ensure that their use is safe, although it seems that there are few complications. In general, efforts should be made to avoid the use of benzodiazepines during the first trimester, especially in weeks 3 to 11, due to the increased risk of teratogenicity, and provided that another alternative is available and considered effective. They can be used if there is no feasible and better pharmacological or non-pharmacological alternative, and there is a clinical indication.