Regarding benzodiazepine use in pregnancy and lactation, which statement is true?

• A. They have no CNS depressant effect.
• B. They are safe for newborns.
• C. They cross into breast milk.
• D. They do not cross the placenta.

Answer: (C)

Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that readily cross biological barriers, including the placenta and breast tissue. Because they are lipophilic and have small to moderate molecular weight, they pass into fetal circulation during pregnancy and into breast milk during lactation, exposing the newborn or nursing infant to the drug. This exposure can lead to sedation, respiratory depression, feeding difficulties, and potential withdrawal after birth, which is why crossing into breast milk is the correct statement. The other options conflict with the pharmacology: these drugs do have CNS depressant effects, they are not safe for newborns, and they do cross the placenta.