Prolonged use of methyldopa in severe hypertension in pregnancy.

Abstract

Treatment with hypotensive drugs may be imperative for the safety of the mother when manifestations such as retinal haemorrhages develop during pregnancy. Even in malignant hypertension a successful pregnancy is possible when the blood-pressure is controlled (Kincaid-Smith et al., 1958). If there is no clear-cut indication that the mother requires treat ment, interest centres around the possibility that hypotensive drugs may improve the outlook for the foetus. Presumably the foetus and the placental circulation derive the maximum benefit from treatment begun early in the pregnancy. In this paper we report our experience with the long-term use of methyldopa in hypertensive pregnant women.