Chronic HTN in Pregnancy

Question 1

Chronic HTN - Pre-pregnancy advice:

• What 3 antihypertensives should they be switched to once they find out they are pregnant? - La, Nu, Me
• Under what BP should be aimed for during pregnancy?

Answer 1

Labetalol
Nifedipine
Methyldopa

<135/85

Question 2

Chronic HTN - Antenatal Care:

• PET is more common in women with chronic HTN. What med should be offered in the first 12 wks to reduce the risk?
• What is used to monitor the fetus?

Answer 2

Aspirin

Growth scans
Biophysical profile
Doppler US at 28 and 34 wks

Question 3

Chronic HTN - Delivery:

• What gestation should delivery be planned?

Answer 3

37 wks

Question 4

Chronic HTN - Postnatal:

How often should the BP be monitored?

Why should methyldopa be changed postpartum?

Answer 4

Every 2 days at first, then every 3-5 days

It is linked to postnatal depression