What Does the Research Say About Metoprolol During Pregnancy?

Studies that were conducted in pregnant rats showed an increased risk for postimplantation loss and death shortly after birth in doses up to 55 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.

 

There has been little human research conducted on the effects of metoprolol or any other beta blockers 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 metoprolol during pregnancy. There have also been reports of a very low heart rate, low blood sugar levels, and/or decreased breathing in some women when metoprolol was used during childbirth. These problems have not been specifically reported with metoprolol, and there have been many women over the years who have taken metoprolol during pregnancy without any problems.

 

Metoprolol and Pregnancy: Suggestions

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

 

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking metoprolol, it is important to let your healthcare provider know immediately. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using metoprolol 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.