[Benzodiazepines and pregnancy].

The use of benzodiazepines is not negligible in pregnant woman and self-medication is considerable. To investigate the effects on the fetus of benzodiazepines used during pregnancy, we reviewed animal and clinical studies completed with observations of CRPV (Centres Régionaux de Pharmacovigilance). Pooled results indicate that the risk of malformations associated with first-trimester exposure to benzodiazepines remains small. However, in a fetus exposed essentially to long-acting benzodiazepines on a long-term basis, neonatal hypotonicity, failure to feed and/or withdrawal syndrom could be observed.