Propranolol Therapy Throughout Pregnancy

The course of pregnancy and delivery of a patient who suffered cardiac arrest and required resuscitation in the 1st weeks of gestation, and who was treated with propranolol for the remainder, is described. Propranolol blocks responses to the hemodynamic demands placed on the pregnant woman's circulation, blocks fetal responses to the stresses of labor and delivery, and extends into the neonatal period. The beta-adrenergic-blocked fetus may be expected to show growth retardation and to tolerate labor poorly.