Which antihypertensive drug used to treat severe pregnancy-induced hypertension is not associated with increased postpartum hemorrhage?

Which antihypertensive drug used to treat severe pregnancy-induced hypertension is not associated with increased postpartum hemorrhage?

• A. Nitroprusside
• B. Nifedipine
• C. Labetalol
• D. Diazoxide

Answer: (C)

Controlling severe hypertension in pregnancy should lower blood pressure without relaxing the uterus, so the uterus can contract normally after delivery. Labetalol works as an alpha- and beta-blocker to reduce systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure without significantly relaxing uterine smooth muscle, preserving uterine tone and not increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. In contrast, the other drugs act in ways that can lessen uterine contractions or markedly alter placental perfusion—diazoxide is a potent vasodilator with marked hypotension, nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker with tocolytic effects, and nitroprusside can cause rapid BP changes that may affect placental blood flow. Because of its safety profile regarding uterine tone and hemorrhage risk, labetalol is the best choice in this context.

Controlling severe hypertension in pregnancy should lower blood pressure without relaxing the uterus, so the uterus can contract normally after delivery. Labetalol works as an alpha- and beta-blocker to reduce systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure without significantly relaxing uterine smooth muscle, preserving uterine tone and not increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. In contrast, the other drugs act in ways that can lessen uterine contractions or markedly alter placental perfusion—diazoxide is a potent vasodilator with marked hypotension, nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker with tocolytic effects, and nitroprusside can cause rapid BP changes that may affect placental blood flow. Because of its safety profile regarding uterine tone and hemorrhage risk, labetalol is the best choice in this context.