What Does the Research Say?
Studies that were conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits showed no evidence of fetal development problems, such as birth defects. However, at high doses in rats, there was a decrease in survival following delivery. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.
There has been little research done concerning the effects of
labetalol on human fetuses. With other
beta blockers, there have been individual reports of slowed growth (before birth), 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.
Pregnancy and Labetalol: Final Thoughts
The FDA classifies labetalol as a pregnancy Category C medicine based on the animal research, along with sporadic cases of problems with labetalol in humans. Labetalol 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 labetalol during pregnancy and in other situations, he or she will not recommend it.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking labetalol, let your healthcare provider know immediately. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using labetalol during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation. Together, you and your healthcare provider can then decide what is best for you and your child.
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