Question

I am on medication to control my high blood pressure. I want to have a baby, but I have heard that getting pregnant is dangerous if you have high blood pressure. Should I get off the medication before I get pregnant?

Answer

You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting the physician who prescribed it. If you’re taking high blood pressure medication and want to become pregnant, you need to talk to your doctor and follow his or her recommendations throughout your pregnancy. High blood pressure can be dangerous for both mother and baby.

Women who are taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs for high blood pressure should not become pregnant while on this class of drugs. If you're taking an ACE inhibitor or an ARB and think you might be pregnant, see your doctor immediately. These drugs have been shown to be dangerous to mother and baby alike during pregnancy. They can cause low blood pressure, severe kidney failure, too much potassium and even death of the newborn.

It’s very important to control your blood pressure during pregnancy to avoid harm to your kidneys and other organs and to prevent low birth weight and early delivery. Women with high blood pressure can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby with careful monitoring by a physician and control over blood pressure.  Each case is different, and your doctor will give you recommendations for your situation. However, most pregnant women with high blood pressure should take care to do the following:

• Before you become pregnant, make sure that your blood pressure is under control and that you're in the best possible physical condition. That means watching your diet and limiting salt and sodium.
• If you're overweight, losing weight will help you have a safer pregnancy and a healthier baby.
• Be active and exercise. Regular physical activity will help control your blood pressure and increase your overall physical condition.
• If you're on medication for high blood pressure (or any other condition), discuss ALL of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with ALL of your doctors.
• If you are planning a pregnancy (or there is a chance you could become pregnant), discuss your medications with your doctor to be sure they are the best ones for you during a pregnancy.
• See your doctor regularly. Don’t miss appointments.
• Stop using tobacco and alcohol.

Some women who've never had high blood pressure develop it while they are pregnant. A condition called preeclampsia or “toxemia of pregnancy” develops that can endanger the lives of both mother and unborn child. Even with high blood pressure and preeclampsia, you can have a successful pregnancy with early and regular care from your healthcare professionals.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 11/11/09.