Short-acting nifedipine in pregnancy may cause:

• A. Increased placental perfusion
• B. Stable blood pressure
• C. Hypotension with decreased placental perfusion
• D. Hypertensive crisis

Answer: (C)

Short-acting nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure quickly by dilating systemic arteries. In pregnancy, a rapid drop in maternal blood pressure can reduce uteroplacental perfusion, meaning less blood flows to the placenta and fetus. This can lead to fetal hypoxia and distress. Because the effect is abrupt with a short-acting formulation, hypotension with decreased placental perfusion is the expected risk. It would not increase placental perfusion, nor would it produce stable blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis.