Pregnancy and Antihypertensive
Medications
In a pregnancy complicated by diabetes
and chronic hypertension, target blood
pressure goals of SBP 110–129 mmHg
and DBP 65–79 mmHg are reasonable, as
they contribute to improved long-term
maternal health. Lower blood pressure
levels may be associated with impaired
fetal growth. During pregnancy,
treatment with ACE inhibitors and ARBs
is contraindicated, since they may cause
fetal damage. Antihypertensive drugs
known to be effective and safe in pregnancy
include methyldopa, labetalol, diltiazem,
clonidine, and prazosin. Chronic
diuretic use during pregnancy has been
associated with restricted maternal
plasma volume, which may reduce
uteroplacental perfusion