Use of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Author(s): Ghanem FA, Movahed A

Affiliation(s): Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-03, Cardiovasc Ther., 26(1):38-49.

Publication type: Review

The decision to treat elevated arterial pressure in pregnancy depends on the risk and benefits imposed on the mother and the fetus. Treatment for mild-to-moderate hypertension during pregnancy may not reduce maternal or fetal risk. Severe hypertension, on the other hand, should be treated to decrease maternal risk. Methyldopa and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists have been used most extensively. In acute severe hypertension, intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine are reasonable choices.