Expert: Arjav Shah, M.D. - 12/28/2011

Question
Hi, I'm pregnant and I take 12.5mg of Toprol xl daily to control my heart rate. I was wondering if I can still get a epidural with this medication. They won't deny me a epidural will they?

Answer
Congratulations on expecting!  Taking a beta blocker or any other anti-hypertensive medication does not absolutely prevent you from receiving an epidural.
When you are a patient in Labor and Delivery, it seems as if the anesthesiologist simply comes in, introduces himself or herself (I hope!), puts in the epidural, and leaves. There's a little more to it. The anesthesiologist should do a thorough but brief evaluation of you first. That means asking you about any issues you had during pregnancy, pre-existing medical conditions you have, drug allergies, medications you take, and reviewing the results of your blood tests. Then a quick, focused physical examination. A determination is subsequently made if an epidural can be safely performed.
I emphasize that this evaluation takes very little time--after all, you're in labor and desire some immediate, but safe pain relief.
So ask the same question to your anesthesiologist to speed things up.
Good luck, and Happy New Year!