Which local anesthetic should be AVOIDED in a pregnant patient?

Correct answer: A. Mepivacaine (plain, without vasoconstric­tor)

• A. ✅ Correct. MEPIVACAINE (plain, without vasoconstrictor) has a prolonged fetal half-life and is associated with fetal bradycardia. It is the anesthetic most contraindicated in pregnancy from the listed options.
• B. ❌ Lidocaine 2% with epinephrine is FDA Category B and is the PREFERRED anesthetic in pregnancy (in appropriate doses).
• C. ❌ Lidocaine without epinephrine is also Category B and safe.
• D. ❌ Articaine 4% with epinephrine is widely used and considered acceptable in pregnancy (Category C but in clinical practice deemed safe at appropriate doses).