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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Nifedipine for BP in 2nd Trimester

4 replies

willowcrow · 23/02/2011 19:40

Im hoping someone can offer me some advice or reassurance... its a long story but starts with essential hypertension.

It was controlled by medication until I became pregnant and then didn't have any treatment until 20 weeks although I was booked as Consultant led care.

At my routine 20 week anomaly scan and clinic appt, BP was 180/105 and I was immediately given a dose of Lobetalol by registrar and prescribed the same with a return in a week appointment. Next appointment dosage reviewed by different registrar and return appointment made at clinic 3 days later.

3 exceptionally breathless days later, although with much lower BP I return to find the next registrar thinks I have underlying asthma ( not diagnosed in the last 36 years I might add) and medication swapped to Methyldopa - advised return to clinic in 3 days time

3 days later yet another registrar thinks BP is not adequately controlled and switches to Nifedipine with a follow up appointment in.. yes, 3 days time.

I have googled Nifedipine and am very nervous. Most sites suggest it is not safe in pregnancy, and those that do, indicate its usage should be in the final stages... Im only 24 weeks. Anyone any words or wisdom, positive experience of Nifedipine? WWYD?

OP posts:
Sparklies · 23/02/2011 19:52

It is very routinely used in the US to help prevent preterm labour as well as for it's more traditional uses of lowering blood pressure. I was prescribed it when I had treatment over there for incompetent cervix - DC2 is just fine.

I think it is even given over here in patch form to deal with preterm labour too.

There are always risks, but in your case it does sound like the benefits outweigh them.

Sparklies · 23/02/2011 19:53

I took it from 20 weeks, btw.

willowcrow · 23/02/2011 21:25

Thanks Sparklies!

OP posts:
Sparklies · 23/02/2011 22:28

You're welcome. It's also known as "Procardia" over in the US if that helps with your Googling!

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