Which pregnancy-related medication is often used to control hypertension?

Methyldopa is frequently prescribed for managing hypertension during pregnancy because it is considered safe for both the mother and fetus. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works centrally to decrease peripheral vascular resistance, thereby lowering blood pressure. One of the critical factors in choosing antihypertensive medications during pregnancy is the safety profile and the potential effects on fetal development. Methyldopa has a long history of use in pregnant women, with extensive clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety.

In contrast, while aspirin is sometimes used in pregnancy for specific indications like preventing preeclampsia in high-risk women, it is not primarily used for controlling hypertension. Magnesium sulfate is commonly utilized to prevent and treat eclamptic seizures but does not directly control blood pressure, though it can impact maternal hemodynamics. Labetalol is also a recognized choice for managing hypertension in pregnancy and can be seen as an alternative to methyldopa; however, the question specifically highlights methyldopa as the correct answer for its established use and recommendation in this context.