Versed and Pregnancy

Studies have shown that benzodiazepines (including Versed) can cause birth defects and other problems. Therefore, the FDA has classified Versed as a pregnancy Category D medication, meaning it is generally unsafe to use the medication during pregnancy. However, if you are taking Versed and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider may still prescribe the medication if he or she believes that the benefits to you outweigh the risks to the child.

 

An Overview of Versed and Pregnancy

Versed® (midazolam) is generally considered unsafe for use during pregnancy. Versed belongs to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines, and studies have shown that benzodiazepines can cause problems in pregnant women.
 

Versed 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. However, 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.
 
Versed was given a pregnancy Category D rating because it is a benzodiazepine, and other benzodiazepines have been shown to cause birth defects and other problems. However, studies of Versed in pregnant rabbits and rats did not show any problems.
 

Versed and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you will be undergoing a procedure or surgery using Versed, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Your healthcare provider 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;