Which medication is commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnant women?

Methyldopa is commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnant women due to its established safety profile and effectiveness. It is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces peripheral vascular resistance, leading to decreased blood pressure. One of the primary reasons it is favored in pregnancy is that it has been studied extensively and shown to have a lower risk of adverse effects on both the mother and fetus compared to other antihypertensive medications.

In contrast, atenolol and metoprolol, while also beta-blockers used in hypertension management, have some concerns regarding their use during pregnancy. They have been associated with potential fetal side effects, including growth retardation and bradycardia, which makes them less desirable options for treating hypertension during pregnancy. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Thus, methyldopa remains the preferred choice due to its favorable safety profile, making it a commonly prescribed medication for managing hypertension in pregnant women.