When treating a patient with gestational hypertension, which medication is commonly prescribed to manage blood pressure?

Labetalol is commonly prescribed to manage blood pressure in patients with gestational hypertension due to its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure while minimizing potential adverse effects on the fetus. It is a combined alpha and beta-adrenergic blocker, which helps to reduce vascular resistance and heart rate, leading to an overall decrease in blood pressure.

This medication is particularly preferred during pregnancy because it has a favorable safety profile compared to other antihypertensive agents, making it a first-line treatment in this context. Moreover, it allows for better control of hypertension within the specific limits essential for maternal and fetal well-being.

Other options, while they may be used in different contexts, do not have the same level of preference or safety profile during pregnancy. Furosemide is a diuretic that primarily helps in conditions related to fluid overload and is not typically the first choice for managing hypertension during pregnancy. Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, is less frequently used in perinatal hypertension management because it can potentially affect uteroplacental perfusion. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, may be utilized in some situations but is not as widely preferred as labetalol for gestational hypertension specifically.