Which antihypertensive drug class is contraindicated during pregnancy?

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy primarily due to the significant risk they pose to fetal development. The use of these medications in pregnant patients has been associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, particularly during the second and third trimesters. These risks include fetal renal dysgenesis, oligohydramnios (decreased amniotic fluid), and potential neonatal complications such as hypotension, renal failure, and even death.

It's crucial to avoid ACE inhibitors during the critical stages of organogenesis since they interfere with the normal development of the fetal cardiovascular and renal systems. Consequently, alternative antihypertensive agents that have a more established safety profile during pregnancy, such as certain beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, are preferred for managing hypertension in pregnant patients. This understanding is vital for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.