Does taking labetalol increase the chance for miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Based on the studies reviewed, it is not known if labetalol can increase the chance for miscarriage. Having high blood pressure that is not well managed might increase the chance of miscarriage.
Does taking labetalol increase the chance of birth defects?
Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. This is called the background risk. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like labetalol, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.
Information on the use of labetalol in pregnancy is limited. Available information does not suggest that the use of labetalol in pregnancy increases the chance of birth defects.
Does taking labetalol in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Most studies do not suggest that labetalol increases the chance of other pregnancy related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37), low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth), or stillbirth.
Temporary symptoms starting shortly after birth have been reported in some infants who were exposed to labetalol late in the pregnancy. Symptoms can include slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. In most cases, these symptoms go away within a few days. It has been suggested that infants who were exposed to labetalol during the pregnancy be monitored after birth; so that if symptoms occur, the baby can get the care that is best for them.
There have been cases where the effects of beta-blocker exposure occurred a week after birth. The symptoms were more severe and life-threatening. Symptoms reported included abnormal breathing, sepsis (blood infection), and seizures. It has been suggested that preterm infants that were exposed to labetalol over a long period of time during pregnancy should be carefully monitored during the first week after birth.
Does taking labetalol in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
It is not known if labetalol can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. One study of 32 children between the ages of 3-7 years old who were exposed to labetalol during pregnancy found no differences on formal testing of learning and behavior compared to children who were not exposed to labetalol. Another study found a higher chance for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children who were exposed to labetalol or a different type of high blood pressure medication during pregnancy. However, the study had limitations that made it hard to know if labetalol played any role in the cases of ADHD.
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