Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

Methyldopa is considered the safest antihypertensive drug for use during pregnancy, particularly for women with diabetes and chronic hypertension. This medication has a long history of use in pregnant patients and has demonstrated a favorable safety profile. It primarily works by stimulating central alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to decreased sympathetic outflow and subsequently lowering blood pressure.

In pregnancy, managing hypertension is crucial to prevent complications for both the mother and the fetus. Methyldopa's effectiveness and safety for the developing fetus make it the preferred choice among healthcare providers. Other medications, such as lisinopril and losartan, belong to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) classes, respectively, both of which are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on fetal development.

While amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to manage hypertension, its safety data during pregnancy is not as solid as that for methyldopa. Thus, healthcare providers typically prioritize methyldopa for pregnant women with chronic hypertension, especially those who also have diabetes, ensuring both maternal and fetal health are optimally managed.