Antenatal anxiety is effectively managed
with exercise, stress reduction, yoga,
massage, and relaxation.
Benzodiazepine drugs such as Valium, Xanax, and
Klonopin have a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
pregnancy category of D, which indicates there has been
proof of human fetal risk, but the possible benefits may favor
antenatal use despite the potential danger. However, there
have not been clearly proven long-term effects on infants
whose mothers used anti-anxiety medications. There are
non-benzodiazepine drugs used for anxiety, such as buspirone
(Buspar), and some used for insomnia, such as zolpidem
(Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata), that have not been shown
to cause compelling adverse effects. All of these drugs have
an FDA C rating, which means animal studies have exposed
an adverse effect on the fetus but there are not sufficient human
studies, and potential benefits may outweigh potential
risks. With any drug being considered for anxiety during
pregnancy, all of the risks and benefits should be thoroughly
discussed with a physician before the best course is decided
for each individual (Howland, 2009).