Propranolol and TTC

[UntilTheVeryEnd]

Hello Ladies!
I suffer from acute migraine which became much worse after the birth of DC2. I am now taking beta blockers (propranolol) 160mg daily to control the migraines, which do an amazing job!
I am hoping to start TTC DC3 shortly but I am extremely worried about taking this drug in pregnancy. I am reading lots of conflicting reports online which doesn’t help. I have an app on Tuesday with my GP to remove my contraception and discuss it then.

I am looking for any success or horror stories of taking this medication while pregnant. I’m dreading coming off it as my migraines are unbearable to a point that I can’t stand up straight or speak in sentences. Any advice is very welcome.
Thanks so much in advance x

Hi I was on this when ttc dc1, once I was preggers then I was advised by GP to stop

I've been through this and it's not a problem to ttc on propranolol but once I was pregnant the drs advised me to halve my dose.

Once you're pregnant, speak to your dr or before if you want to. That's what they are there for.

Good luck ttc!

Thank you ladies for your advice! @MrsBobDylan can I ask what does you were taking in pregnancy?

Hi,

I take 80mg a day so went down to 40mg when pregnant. Both of those pregnancies failed in the first trimester but that was due to my age rather than the propranolol.

From memory, the dr said the risk was that it could cause growth restriction in the third trimester, but I have a shocking memory so defo not to be relied on!

Also, like you I take them for migraine and they have been the only preventative which worked and doesn't have hideous side effects.

I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. I’m grateful that you have taken the time to respond. Propanolol is a wonder drug - I honestly thought I had a brain tumour with the series of horrendous symptoms I suffer... I will be discussing this with my doctor naturally but I really want to stay on them if I can. I have two DC to care for and my migraines make me totally incapable of looking after them.

If the issue is with growth restriction in later pregnancy then surely I could be offered extra scan to monitor this 🤔 definitely worth an ask... I’ve been consultant lead in previous pregnancies anyway due to various medical issues, so one more awkward issue won’t stop me TTC again

I was on 80mg per day when I was TTC and my GP told me no need to stop/reduce when I got pregnant, but like you I read so many conflicting stories and decided it wasn't worth the risk for me so stopped.

Speak to your GP as they may say to swap you to a different tablet now rather than alter the dose when you get pregnant.

When we started ttc I went to the GP to check my tablet and got changed from the one I was on (for high blood pressure) to labetolol as that is 'safe' to take during pregnancy. That is a beta blocker too so your GP may say you are okay with the one you are on or look to swap you to a different beta blocker. It is easier to be settled with a tablet now (and just alter the dose once you are pregnant) than try to switch tablets and set a dose when pregnant.

If you look up ‘propanolol pubmed’ you’ll get the medical journals info. They’ve recently found even paracetamol has an effect. Can you manage without it?
www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(75)80236-8/pdf