Treatment of hypertension in pregnancy

Abstract

Extreme hypertension in pregnancy is as dangerous as it is in other medical situations and demands urgent treatment. The treatment of mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy does not prevent the later superimposition of preeclampsia. The perinatal advantages of such treatment cannot be attributed to the hypotensive action of the drugs. Methyl dopa is the most thoroughly tested hypotensive agent in pregnancy. Apart from a possible effect on fetal head growth, if treatment is started between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation, no significant adverse reactions have been observed. Beta adrenoceptor antagonists may be safe to use in pregnancy but there are as yet inadequate trial data. Diuretics should be reserved for the treatment of heart failure complicating preeclampsia.