Blood Pressure Medicine & Pregnancy

LesNLafayette

I am taking Toprol XL 50mg/day and am 6 weeks pregnant. My first appt. is not for another 2 weeks and I was wondering if I should try to get an appointment sooner, or try to see a higher risk pregnancy doctor, or basically I just want to know other feedback any of you might havee had in this situation - past experiences and such. I am a little nervous...

MrsRenee

I'm not familiar with that medicine, but do you know if it's safe during pregnancy?  If it's not, immediately call your doctor and have them put you on something that is.  Otherwise, you're probably fine until your first appointment.  I had to switch my medicine, so I called the OB the day I got my BFP.  They just wanted me to monitor my pressures at home and call if I started getting high numbers (anything over 140/90).  I had my first appointment at the normal 8 weeks.  They haven't suggested a high-risk doctor, but they will have me come in more frequently and do all the monitoring a high risk doctor would do.  They also had me do some extra bloodwork and a 24-hour urine collection during after my first appointment so they have a baseline. 

Ashley8634

Did your doctor switch your medications before you were TTC or became pregnant? I've been on BP medicine for the past 2 years, my doctor told me to let her know when we were TTC and she'd switch me to something that was safe for baby.....she did. Then at my first OB appointment he switched me to something else that he felt was safer for baby and me....I'd call and double check if I were you, just to make sure you aren't taking something that's harming the baby! :-)

Vonita

I take 25mg Metoprolol twice daily, I think it's in the same family as the kind you're taking but I agree with Ashley: 

Ashley8634:

Did your doctor switch your medications before you were TTC or became pregnant? ...I'd call and double check if I were you, just to make sure you aren't taking something that's harming the baby! :-)

Good Luck! 

nursemegan23

Vonita:

I take 25mg Metoprolol twice daily, I think it's in the same family as the kind you're taking but I agree with Ashley: 

Ashley8634:

Did your doctor switch your medications before you were TTC or became pregnant? ...I'd call and double check if I were you, just to make sure you aren't taking something that's harming the baby! :-)

Good Luck! 

Toprol is a Brand name of metoprolol (which is a generic name)

to OP here is some info on the medication, and I do suggest that you call your doctors office and tell him your on the medication and are concerned since it is a class C.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Toprol-XL (metoprolol)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metoprolol, or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• pheochromocytoma;

• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome);

• congestive heart failure;

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

• diabetes;

• low blood pressure;

• depression;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metoprolol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

and if you go to page two of this website:

https://www.medicinenet.com/metoprolol-oral_extended_release/page2.htm

it states:

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

aocain02@yahoo.com

I was on trandate (labetalol) when I was pregnant and that was class C.  Most medications are because who wants to volunteer for testing medications with unknown risks.  I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, he was small for my family, but I'm not complaining.  I would probably ask your doctor or pharmacist and if there is a problem get it changed.