Getting pregnant on beta blocker (Atenolol)

Hi everyone,

My husband and I want to try for another baby.  I'm currently on 12.5 mg of Atenolol 2 times a day.  Has anyone else been pregnant while taking a beta blocker?  Any side effects?  I've read that it can cause low birthweight babies.  Thanks and take care (:

[momof11]

After looking at this site http://www.drugs.com/atenolol.html they say it is a category D which is extremely harmful to the unborn baby so talk to your doc before trying to get  preg.

[momto3girls]

Hi there,

Thanks for your comment.  I've read about the drug category for Atenolol.  I've also read numerous studies regarding pregnant women using it to treat high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.  Some of these women gave birth to low birthweight babies but these studies are flawed in that they (the moms) already had pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure which in itself will produce low birthweight babies.  It seems difficult to ascertain whether the Atenolol caused the low birthweight or the high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia.

I'm on Atenolol for tachycardia not high blood pressure so I'm just wondering how that would effect me and if any other moms out there had taken Atenolol during their pregnancy.  Take care (:

momto3girls

[cantwait4baby]

Pregnacy catagory D = Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects.

I am on Sotalol betapace Catagory B.  A or B is the only catagory you can take while pregnant.  I would not recommend getting pregnant until your atenolol is out of your system.  As your doctor to change your meds.  I was hospitalized while pregnant and they had to keep me 9 days because the meds they normally would have given me were harmful to the baby, that is where I learned of the catagories.  The had a very hard time getting my heart back to normal due to the pregnancy.  I had a normal heart until pregnancy they think the baby knocked it off track.

Good luck to you.

[mommaof4ormore]

I have a friend who is currently 4 mon pg. She has tachicardia( sorry if I spelt wrong). She is on a type of beta blocker that is safe for her to take her whole pg. So you might talk to your OB/Gyn since you want to get pg. and they can help you find a drug safe for you and the baby. Hope this helps

[TrishFletch]

I have been on Propranolol or the other name- Inderal for mitral valve prolapse (tachycardia as well) for this is my 4th pregnancy.  No problems, no low birthweight. 7lbs 8oz, 7 lbs, 7 ozs and 7 lbs 9 ounces.  I would check with your OB or cardioloigst or GP if there are any other concerns or questions.  Maybe they can try a different med.
God luck! Trish

[TrishFletch]

I have been on Propranolol or the other name- Inderal for mitral valve prolapse (tachycardia as well) for this is my 4th pregnancy.  No problems, no low birthweight. 7lbs 8oz, 7 lbs, 7 ozs and 7 lbs 9 ounces.  I would check with your OB or cardioloigst or GP if there are any other concerns or questions.  Maybe they can try a different med.
God luck! Trish

[peekawho]

Never TTC until you have met with your doctor and discussed what medications you are on, to get a general physical, and to have questions answered.  Your doctor is the one to advise you as to whether or not Atenolol would be appropriate for you to take.  

Good luck.