Propranolol
What is it?
Propranolol is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and anxiety.
Benefits
What are the benefits of taking propranolol in pregnancy?
Propranolol can prevent high blood pressure from getting worse during pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications. Propranolol is also an effective treatment for some people with anxiety and can therefore improve metal health and wellbeing.
Some women will be taking propranolol before pregnancy. If so, it can be continued but should be reviewed at the earliest opportunity by your midwife, GP or obstetrician.
Risks
Are there any risks of taking propranolol during pregnancy?
There are no concerns that taking propranolol in pregnancy causes harm. Propranolol belongs to a family of medicines called beta blockers. Studies have not shown that beta blockers cause birth defects, stillbirth or preterm birth. Women taking beta blockers may be more likely to have a small baby; however a small baby can be due to underlying health conditions that beta blockers are commonly used to treat, like high blood pressure. It is therefore difficult to know if a beta blocker has also contributed to the baby being small.
Occasionally, beta blockers used in late pregnancy can affect the baby for a short while after birth (for example, causing low blood sugar). The baby may require an extra day or two in hospital following birth to look out for any problems. If these occur, they can be easily treated and usually settle quickly.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to taking propranolol?
Possibly. Other medicines can be used to treat hypertension and anxiety in pregnancy. Anxiety can sometimes be treated with talking therapies instead of medicines; however this does not work for everyone and some people may need medication.
If your doctor has prescribed propranolol this will be based on factors including the likelihood of your condition not being as well-controlled with another medicine and possible side effects if your medicine is changed.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take propranolol during pregnancy?
It is very important to take any medicines prescribed for high blood pressure as it can lead to a potentially serious pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia. Anxiety also needs to be effectively treated to ensure a woman is well during pregnancy and while looking after her baby.
Your doctor will only prescribe medicines when absolutely necessary and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you might have. It is important not to stop or change any medicine that you are taking for high blood pressure or anxiety without first talking this through with your doctor.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken propranolol?
We would not expect any increased risk to your baby if the father took propranolol before or around the time you became pregnant.
Will I or my baby need any extra monitoring?
You will be offered a detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of your routine antenatal care. If you continue propranolol then you may be offered additional scans at around 32 and 36 weeks to check that your baby is growing normally.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.