Methyldopa (250mg) while pregnant? Help please!

[c1t4d3lweisenburgh]

I went to my first prenatal visit yesterday and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It has been high for the last 5-6 months. Around 140/90 150/95 etc. My doctor prescribed me Methyldopa, 250 mg tablets twice a day and told me to cut out salt and fatty foods. I'm going to follow the diet of course, but I am afraid to take the medication. I did research on-line and found that Methyldopa is the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medication to pregnant women and 99% of the sites I was on said it was perfectly fine to take while pregnant. I fully understand that high blood pressure is not something you want while pregnant, but I am still uneasy about taking the medication.

Has anyone else been prescribed medication like this while pregnant? Any advice?

(And YES, I know my Doctor wouldn't prescribe me something that would hurt the baby..but I had a miscarriage with my first child, so I am still unsure)

**NO negative comments, please be serious**

[lecollier2005]

Actually yes, some doctors will prescribe you something that could hurt baby- for many reasons. It could be worth the chance, or they could just slip up. So first of all, you were right to look.
Secondly, I do not have high blood pressure. I am bipolar, and I suffer extreme depression, so severe that I really need to be on anti-depressants. And even though I would not like to be on them, they are supposed to be safe, and I know that the benefit is far worth the small risk (it is more risky to be a suicidal pregnant woman than it is to take a drug they have determined is safe). I am sure it is the same for blood pressure. You would probably do more harm to baby by having untreated high blood pressure than you would by just taking the medicine.

[Christina A]

You have certainly done your research! I think that you are right in saying that the Dr. wouldn't give you something unless it was safe. I recommend that you look into the effects of leaving your blood pressure so high to the baby, and then weigh your options. I am sorry to hear about your first loss. I think it is important to do what the Dr. asks for the safety of you and of your child. Remember it's all about them now.