High blood pressure early in the pregnancy?

[Kiara]

Hi! Im in week 18 now and in week 16 my doctor gave me medicine for high blood pressure. It feels so early to be taken medicine and im worried that it could be dangerous for the baby? Anyone else that have been told to take medicine for high blood pressure early in pregnancy? Did it really prevent preeclampsia? I had preeclampsia with my dd but I took medicine in the last part of the pregnancy not this early on. Im also taking asprin for to prevent and extra calcium. I read somewhere that high bloodpressure early on can increase the risk of birth defects which made my worried (i know its so bad to use google when you are worried

[Kiara]

The medicine is aldomet. Im in my husbands country and its very different here with medicines and things like that. Some medicines that they would never give in my country they give here and vice versa, thats why im a bit confused

[strawberrymom]

Well this is what I found here in the US it is classified as catergory B drug for pregnancy. Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women, or animal studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility), but adequate studies in pregnant women have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus during the first trimester and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters). Example: Ampicillin.
Also: Effects on Pregnancy: Several studies have been completed on methyldopa use during pregnancy. According to reports, risk of pregnancy complications or infant birth defects does not increase with methyldopa use. Methyldopa has been around for a long time, which lends an extensive use history to the drug profile. Many doctors prefer to use an older drug with a long history of safety over a newer drug with no real history to speak of.

Safe During Breastfeeding: Methyldopa is not associated with any negative side effects when taken by women who are breastfeeding. However, the increase in prolactin associated with the drug can cause an unexpected increase in milk production. If you suffer this side effect and wish to reduce milk production, talk with your doctor about other medication options.
Seems pretty safe to me especially with the risks of not taking it. I definetly understand your worries, but hopes this helps.

[Kiara]

Thank you so much strawberrymom. Really good info!

[pinkin2011]

I took that medication from 18 weeks aswell right until the end and I was on 8 tablets a day by 38 weeks

[pinkin2011]

blood pressure was 210/130 at my 38 at my 38 week app