When a pregnant woman takes lisinopril, a common ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Also known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, it can cross the placenta and interfere with fetal development, especially in the second and third trimesters. This is why doctors stop prescribing it as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. The teratogenic effects of lisinopril aren’t just theoretical—they’re well-documented in medical studies and have led to serious, sometimes fatal, outcomes for developing babies.
These effects aren’t random. They happen because lisinopril blocks a key enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the fetus. Without it, the baby’s kidneys don’t develop properly, leading to low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), underdeveloped lungs, skull deformities, and even kidney failure. The risk is highest between weeks 8 and 20 of pregnancy, but damage can occur even after that. It’s not just about birth defects—it’s about lifelong health problems. Babies exposed to lisinopril in utero may need intensive care after birth, and some don’t survive.
That’s why ACE inhibitors, a class of drugs including lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril. Also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme blockers, they are strictly avoided during pregnancy. Instead, doctors switch to safer options like methyldopa or labetalol—medications that control blood pressure without harming the baby. If you’re on lisinopril and thinking about getting pregnant, or if you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor right away. Don’t stop the medication cold—sudden withdrawal can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure. But don’t wait either. The sooner you switch, the lower the risk.
It’s not just about the drug itself—it’s about awareness. Many women don’t realize lisinopril is risky during pregnancy because they’re told it’s safe for "general" use. But pregnancy changes everything. Even if you’re not planning to get pregnant, if you’re taking lisinopril and could become pregnant, use reliable birth control. The fetal drug exposure, the term for when a developing baby is affected by medication taken by the mother. Also known as prenatal medication exposure, it’s not always obvious. You might feel fine. Your blood pressure might be under control. But inside you, something much more delicate is at risk.
There’s no gray area here. The data is clear. The FDA and major medical groups all warn against ACE inhibitors in pregnancy. The question isn’t whether the risk exists—it’s whether you’re prepared to act on it. The posts below give you real-world examples of how this plays out in clinical practice, what alternatives work best, and how to manage hypertension safely while protecting your baby’s future. You’re not alone in this. Many women have walked this path before. The key is knowing what to do next—and acting on it quickly.
Learn the risks of lisinopril during pregnancy, how it can affect the fetus, safe alternative blood pressure meds, and key steps to protect both mother and baby.
