Stopped Xanax During My 6th Month of Pregnancy

Published: April 27, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
So I recently stopped taking Xanax, I m 6months pregnant. I am just wondering if she will test positive at birth or withdraw & am worried!
Signed: Stopped Xanax During My 6th Month of Pregnancy

Dear Stopped Xanax During My 6th Month of Pregnancy,

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does state that there are potential risks to the developing fetus when women take Xanax during pregnancy, especially when taken during the first trimester. The FDA also states that withdrawal symptoms are possible in newborns whose mothers took Xanax during pregnancy. 

TeenHealthFX can absolutely appreciate that you are feeling worried about this, but try not to let your worry stop you from moving forward in terms of getting what you need right now to ensure the health of you and your baby. You cannot undo the past, but you can make decisions from this point on that will be beneficial for you and for your baby. The most important thing right now is to make sure you are getting prenatal care, that you tell your prenatal doctor about the Xanax, and that you are receiving any needed mental health treatment to address the symptoms you were experiencing that were connected to your being prescribed Xanax.

TeenHealthFX is unsure whether you are receiving prenatal care or not. If you are, then we recommend that you discuss this as soon as possible with your prenatal doctor. If you are not receiving prenatal care, please set up an appointment with a doctor right away so that you and your baby can receive the medical care you need. Prenatal care is very important because it helps to ensure that the expecting mother and the developing fetus are healthy and strong. If you need to start prenatal care, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible and talk to the doctor right away about the Xanax.

For more information about prenatal care, including information about how to find a prenatal care provider, check out this article by the March of Dimes. You can also check on WomensHealth.gov for information on prenatal care, including information about finding free or reduced-cost prenatal care.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can also call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

As we said above, FX also wants to ensure that you are getting whatever emotional health support and/or treatment that you need. We are not sure why you were taking the Xanax, but it is important that you have the help and guidance you need to deal with those symptoms now that you are off the Xanax. For the remainder of your pregnancy, and after the baby is born, it is important that you have healthy and effective methods of managing those symptoms for the well-being of you and your baby. You could discuss this with your doctor and/or schedule an appointment with a reputable therapist, such as a clinical social worker or clinical psychologist, so that these issues can be addressed.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

Ratings