During baroreceptor unloading sympathoexcition is attenuated in near term pregnant (P) compared to nonpregnant (NP) rats. Alterations in the balance among different excitatory and inhibitory inputs within central autonomic pathways likely contribute to changes in regulation of sympathetic outflow in pregnancy. Both baroreflex dependent and baroreflex independent GABAergic inputs inhibit sympathoexcitatory neurons within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Current experiments tested the hypothesis that the influence of baroreflex independent GABAergic inhibition of the RVLM is greater in P compared to NP rats. Afferent baroreceptor inputs were eliminated by bilateral sinoaortic denervation (SAD) in inactin anesthetized rats. In P compared to NP rats, baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lower (P= 75 ±6, NP= 115 ±7 mm Hg) and heart rate (HR) was higher (P= 381 ±10, NP =308 ±10 beats/min). Pressor and sympathoexcitatory (renal sympathetic nerve activity, RSNA) responses due to bilateral GABA_A receptor blockade (bicuculline, Bic, 4 mM, 100 nl) of the RVLM were greater in P rats (MAP: P = +101 ±4, NP = +80 ±6 mm Hg. RSNA: P = +182 ±23, NP = +133 ±9, % control). Unexpected transient sympathoexcitatory effects of angiotensin AT₁ receptor blockade in the RVLM were greater in P rats. Although excitatory responses to Bic were attenuated by prior RVLM AT₁ receptor blockade in both groups, pressor responses to disinhibition of the RVLM remained augmented in P rats. Increased influence of baroreflex independent GABAergic inhibition in the RVLM could contribute to suppressed sympathoexcitation during withdrawal of arterial baroreceptor input in pregnant animals.