Pregnancy effects of 4 drugs, including marijuana

This story is part of a package produced in collaboration with ProPublica and includes reporting by ProPublica's Nina Martin and AL.com's Amy Yurkanin. Read When the womb is a crime scene

How do these different drugs effect the health of women and babies?

Drug: Benzodiazepines

Science: Though used for decades to treat pregnancy-related anxiety and hypertension (preeclampsia), benzos have never been tested directly on pregnant and breastfeeding women to determine the effects on the fetus and infant. Diazepam (Valium) is considered the safest form to take in pregnancy, ideally in very small amounts.

Pregnancy Effects: Some studies point to a slightly increased risk of congenital anomalies such as cleft palate; others do not. The FDA classifies benzos as Category D drugs (positive evidence of human fetal risk; benefits may outweigh risks), to be avoided in the first trimester.

Birth Effects: Newborns exposed to acute doses in the third trimester or smaller doses...

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