Worried

[Aisha83]

Please don't judge me, I am being prescribed medication by my Dr. Which are diazipam and zolpidem. I have taken myself off the diazipam because the midwife at the hospital told me my baby could have withdrawal symptoms when born, my Dr advised against me coming off any of my medication saying the benefits to me outweigh the risk to baby. I was fine coming off them (have not taken in about 4 months, baby seemed fine) however I was still taking the zolpidem because I suffer bad insomnia since way before I got pregnant. I haven't taken them for over a week now and I was wondering if the baby could withdraw off it, I'm 30 weeks pregnant and was supposed to have a specialist midwife to help with my meds but that hasn't happened. The reason I'm asking is because for the past 3 days baby's movement has reduced and I'm worried its because of the sleeping tablets. Any advice and should I be worried. He does move now and again just not as much as he normally does

 

[Sydney]

The withdrawal concerns for baby is after birth. There are quite a few medications that can pass through the placenta which means once the baby is born, it no longer receives the drug and might display withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, these babies are placed on withdrawal observations as a precaution to spot signs of this happening.

I would look into 'Neonatal abstinence syndrome' and also speak with your doctor or an obstetrician about your concerns. Sometimes it is better to stay on the medications (risk benefit etc) rather than just stopping. But I think there's still a discussion to be had so you can make a fully informed decision.

Re: reduced fetal movements - by 28/40 your baby should have developed a pattern you are familiar with. If you sense a change in this - don't delay, medications and all of that aside, contact your maternity unit!