[Antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy. Effects on the fetus]

After reviewing the literature on this topic, the paper examines fetal effects during maternal anti-hypertensive treatment, assessing both possible teratogenic results and fetal outcome. All anti-hypertensive agents cross the placental barrier and are present in varying concentrations in the fetal circulation, thus provoking varying effects on the cardiocirculatory apparatus and fetal metabolism. Some agents, such as alpha-metildopa, may be considered reliable, whereas others, like ACE-inhibitors, are still used with considerable caution, an attitude which will only change following extensive clinical trials and through post-natal checks.