Which medication is commonly used to reduce blood pressure in pregnant women?

Methyldopa is commonly used to reduce blood pressure in pregnant women due to its favorable safety profile for both the mother and the fetus. It acts as a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which helps to lower blood pressure by decreasing sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. This mechanism is particularly beneficial during pregnancy when managing hypertension is crucial to prevent complications such as preeclampsia.

While other medications listed, such as hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine, could potentially be used in some cases, they are not first-line treatments specifically recognized for use during pregnancy due to safety concerns or lack of extensive research. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is contraindicated in pregnancy as it has been associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Therefore, methyldopa stands out as the preferred choice for managing high blood pressure in pregnant women.