Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking metoprolol

Metoprolol and pregnancy

Metoprolol can be taken in pregnancy. If you are taking metoprolol for heart problems then it is likely that you will be advised to stay on it during pregnancy.

Metoprolol can sometimes affect your baby's growth and you will need to have extra growth scans (usually from 32 weeks onwards) to monitor this.

If you're trying to get pregnant or you're already pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether metoprolol is right for you.

Metoprolol and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take metoprolol while breastfeeding.

Metoprolol passes into breast milk in very small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

It is important to keep taking metoprolol to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or looks much paler than normal, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your doctor or health visitor.

Metoprolol and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking metoprolol reduces fertility in either men or women.

If you're trying for a baby or having problems getting pregnant while on metoprolol, then speak to your doctor.

Find out more about how metoprolol can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.