Does taking atenolol increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if atenolol increases the chance of miscarriage. Studies involving over 2,000 pregnancies on the beta-blocker class did not find an increase in this risk.
Does taking atenolol increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Studies have not been done to see if atenolol increases the chance of birth defects. Studies on the use of beta-blockers in general during pregnancy have not reported an increased chance of birth defects.
Does taking atenolol in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Atenolol has been linked with reduced growth of the fetus (smaller in size and/or low birth weight), although it is not clear if this happens because of the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors. One study did find that atenolol can directly affect blood flow through the placenta, which might be linked with poor growth of the fetus, causing low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).
Some studies have also found that there may be a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the baby at birth.
Does taking atenolol in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
Studies have not been done to see if atenolol can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.
What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues?
Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some birth defects. Ultrasound can also be used to track the growth of the pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell how much effect there could be on future behavior or learning.
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