Anyone taken nifedipine in pregnancy for hypertension and had side effects?

[FeministaGB]

Im 11 weeks pregnant and been prescribed nifedipine for chronic hypertension - I’m not eligible for labetalol because I have a low resting heart rate. Ive got kidney disease and was on bp meds before I got pregnant which I had to stop when I became pregnant so I knew all of this was coming down the track at some point.

Im wondering what others experiences of nifedipine are? Since I started taking it I feel spaced out and have chronic head aches, I’m only a few days in but wondering if that gets better? Feeling a bit low because I was enjoying my small cup of coffee in the morning but can’t have that and also too scared to exercise because I already feel so light headed from meds. Feel like I can’t do/eat/drink anything I enjoy anymore.

Not pregnant but I was prescribed it for my Raynauds last winter. I had to stop taking it (even though it hugely helped me) because within 20 mins of taking it I would feel sick, lightheaded, dizzy and my blood pressure would lower too much.

Thanks for your experience even if not in pregnancy! It’s so difficult because I don’t think I have many other options meds-wise - this is one of the few safer options for me and bean. I have to take something unfortunately but these side effects are pretty wild. I’ll put up with it if I have to but if it doesn’t get any easier then life isn’t going to be great for the next 6 1/2 months unless it gets easier somehow (please god).

Long while ago now but I had it briefly towards the end of pregnancy but I'd been on methyldopa throughout. I imagine they could try that as an alternative?