Is Labetalol Safe in Pregnancy

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: high

Reason

Official labels show no proven major birth-defect risk, but newborn low heart rate and low blood sugar can occur.

Drug Information

Brand Name
Trandate, Normodyne
Generic Name
labetalol
Drug Class
mixed alpha/beta-adrenergic blocker (antihypertensive)
FDA Category
N/A (PLLR narrative label)
Rx Status
prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy
Crosses the placenta. Pregnancy data are reassuring overall, but growth and preterm-birth findings are mixed and limited.
Mother
Used to treat high blood pressure in pregnancy; untreated hypertension can raise maternal stroke and preeclampsia risk.
Baby
May cause low heart rate, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, or breathing problems in the newborn.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
No drug-associated increase in major birth defects has been identified in official labeling.
2nd Trimester
Overall pregnancy experience is reassuring, but data are limited and not definitive for all outcomes.
3rd Trimester
Newborn monitoring is important after late-pregnancy exposure because baby effects can occur at birth.

Risk-Benefit Note

For antihypertensives, the benefit of treating maternal high blood pressure may outweigh the fetal risks. Do not stop or change it without your prescriber.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
  • Hypertension in pregnancy
  • Monitor newborn after delivery for low blood pressure, low heart rate, and low blood sugar

Alternatives

  • Nifedipine
  • Methyldopa
  • Hydralazine

References

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