Coreg and Pregnancy: What Does the Research Say?

Studies that were conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits showed an increased risk for postimplantation loss and decrease in body weight in doses up to 50 times the normal human dose. No birth defects were reported. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.

 

Little human research has been conducted on the effects that Coreg or any other beta blockers may have on the fetus. With other beta blockers, there have been individual reports of slowed intrauterine growth, small placentas, and birth defects in women who took these drugs during pregnancy. There have also been reports of a very low heart rate, low blood sugars, and/or decreased breathing in some fetuses when beta blockers were used during childbirth. These problems have not been specifically reported with Coreg, however, and there have been many women over the years who have taken Coreg during pregnancy without any problems.

 

Coreg and Pregnancy: Suggestions

The animal research, along with sporadic cases of problems with other beta blockers during pregnancy, is why Coreg has been given a classification of Category C. Coreg could potentially cause harm to your unborn child, but the exact risk is not known. This is why in some situations your healthcare provider will recommend Coreg during pregnancy but will not in other situations.

 

The key is that if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Coreg, let your healthcare provider know immediately. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using Coreg during pregnancy before making a recommendation. Together, you and your healthcare provider can decide what is best for you and your child.