Which medication class is often avoided in managing hypertension in pregnancy?

The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is often avoided in managing hypertension during pregnancy due to their potential teratogenic effects and adverse outcomes for the developing fetus. This medication class can be harmful during the second and third trimesters, particularly as it is associated with risks such as fetal renal impairment, oligohydramnios, and impaired skull ossification. Consequently, healthcare providers prefer to use alternative antihypertensive agents that are considered safer for both the mother and the fetus, which has led to guidelines recommending against the use of ACE inhibitors in this context.

Other classes of medications, such as alpha blockers, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers, may be more cautiously considered depending on the specific circumstances of the patient. For instance, while beta blockers like labetalol are commonly used for managing hypertension in pregnancy, they are not associated with the same level of risk as ACE inhibitors. This careful consideration of the risks and benefits plays a critical role in the management practices for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.