Pregnancy is one of the most valuable and exciting periods of one’s life. It is a better experience that involves many emotional and physical changes, and proper time to take responsibility. Due to pregnancy, one may feel many physical changes in her body that cause a new problem called a sleeping disorder near her. As a result, pregnant people feel weak and tired. There is a solution to avoid sleep disorders and reach a better life during your pregnancy, if you take Ambien. But a question arises if one takes Ambien in pregnancy, is it safe or not? This answer is only possible by visiting your health professionals and taking proper guidance from them. If you don’t follow guidance but take Ambien, it will create a harmful situation for you and your unborn child.
What Happens If You Take Ambien In Pregnancy?
One of the common prescriptions to treat sleep disorders called insomnia is Ambien, which comes under the brand name Zolpidem. It is a sedative hypnotic and works in the central nervous system called the Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors. This Ambien pill makes you feel comfortable to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It affects chemicals in your brain to produce a calming and relaxing effect in people with sleep problems.
Many studies show that around 75-80% of women may have sleep disturbances during pregnancy, which can make them tired. That’s why they want to take medication like Ambien to feel better. But can you take Ambien while pregnant? Is it safe or not for you? Does it show side effects or not? All answers are discussed below.
If you have taken Ambien before pregnancy or accidentally took Ambien during pregnancy without a prescription, immediately tell your doctor, whether or not you continue this drug.
Withdrawal symptoms are common symptoms that are associated with this drug. If you know that you’re pregnant and are already taking Ambien, consult with a doctor before suddenly stopping your medication. General withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems
- Panic attack
- Nervousness
- Lightheadedness
Is Ambien Safe To Take During Pregnancy?
No, it is not safe to take Ambien during pregnancy. Though it is a sedative-hypnotic primarily used as a sleep aid, at the time of pregnancy it can reach harmful conditions. It is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, with the potential for risks to a human fetus.
One of the main symptoms while using Ambien is dizziness, which the result in falling and causing harm to the fetus. Dehydration is another side effect if you take Ambien.
Another issue is that using Ambien affects the response of newborn babies.
Fetal Impact Of Ambien Use
While using Ambien during pregnancy, its effects on the fetus can be dangerous. Ambien crosses the placenta and can cause drowsiness and respiratory depression in newborns. There have been some reports of human babies suffering from breathing problems at birth when mothers reported taking Ambien at the end of the pregnancy. Excessive respiratory depression in babies exposed to Ambien through breast milk. During pregnancy, if you use Ambien, it may cause withdrawal symptoms in the fetus, like weak muscles and low vision.
Medication Warnings During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, if you take Ambien, it may cause severe side effects and allergic reactions. At that time, stop taking medication and get emergency medical help. Also, it can give premature birth or a low-weight baby.
Frequently Asked Questions On Zolpidem in Pregnancy
Can Ambien Cause Miscarriage?
Miscarriage is another threat always related to pregnancy due to many reasons. Though taking Ambien during pregnancy is harmful, it is possible to help in miscarriage. If you feel a sleep problem, directly consult your healthcare provider for a proper prescription to get better sleep.
Can Ambien Cause Birth Defects?
Yes, Ambien increases the chance of birth defects in the baby. It affects the baby’s growth, low vision, and weak muscles. If you take any drugs without a doctor’s approval during pregnancy, it is dangerous.
How Ambien Affects Pregnant Women?
There are two types of side effects: common or general side effects and pregnancy-specific side effects. Common Side Effects: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Diarrhea, Feelings Of Being Drugged
Pregnancy-Specific Side Effects: Miscarriage, Low birth weight baby, Premature birth, Withdrawal symptoms in babies include low body temperature.
Conclusion
Ambien is used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, a type of sleeping disorder. While it is used during pregnancy, it creates harmful situations like dizziness, drowsiness, and low birth weight. Ambien may affect the fetus after crossing the placenta. Consulting your doctor and changing your daily routine, and adopting good sleep hygiene will improve the quality of your sleep during pregnancy.