Antihypertensive drug prescription pattern before and during pregnancy in France

ObjectiveThis study provides firsthand information on antihypertensive prescriptions before and during pregnancy in France.MethodsThe study, on 23,898 women, was carried out using data from the French Health Insurance System.ResultsBefore and during pregnancy, 1.1% and 5.1% of women received prescriptions for antihypertensive drugs: beta blockers and diuretics before, and nifedipine, nicardipine, labetalol and methyldopa during pregnancy. Sixty-six pregnant women were exposed to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.ConclusionPregnant women still receive prescriptions for harmful drugs. In order to prevent such exposures, it should be recommended to avoid these prescriptions in women of child-bearing age who plan to be pregnant.