Which medication is often prescribed for gestational hypertension?

Methyldopa is commonly prescribed for managing gestational hypertension due to its specific ability to lower blood pressure effectively while being safe for use during pregnancy. It is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works by reducing sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and overall lower blood pressure. Its established safety profile during pregnancy makes it a preferred choice for treating hypertension in pregnant women.

Other medications listed serve different purposes or have varied risk profiles during pregnancy. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that may not be recommended due to potential adverse neonatal effects and limited evidence supporting its use in pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used to prevent and control seizures in women with preeclampsia rather than to manage hypertension directly. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that, while it may be effective in treating hypertension, is generally avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary due to concerns about fetal heart rate and growth. Thus, Methyldopa stands out as the medication specifically tailored for gestational hypertension management.