Effects During Pregnancy Benzodiazepines are the most common minor tranquillisers and sleeping pills used. Benzodiazepines are addictive to both the mother and the baby. The baby is less able to cope with tranquillisers than the mother.
Benzodiazepines can produce withdrawal symptoms in new-born babies.
Withdrawal symptoms can include breathing problems, poor body temperature control, poor muscle tone, and difficult sucking. The babies can appear floppy or limp and this poor muscle tone can last for a number of months, although the babies do eventually recover. People who stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly will often experience withdrawal symptoms which can be severe and can include a withdrawal seizure or fit. Withdrawal can occur for the baby as well. A tapered reduction is the recommended way of coming off benzodiazepines.