Hypertension during pregnancy

12 Aug

Hypertension during pregnancy

Hypertension during pregnancy

What is High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

Blood pressure is nothing but the force of blood that pushes against the walls of arteries as and when the heart pumps blood. Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the arteries is too high. Some women may have hypertension during pregnancy. Hypertension can also cause problems during and after delivery; however, this condition is preventable and treatable. Following are the different types of blood pressure during pregnancy:

Gestational Hypertension: Hypertension developed while a woman is pregnant. It typically starts after a woman is around 20 weeks pregnant. In most cases, this kind of hypertension goes away within 12 weeks of childbirth and does not harm the baby. However, this does raise the risk of high blood pressure in the future. In severe cases, it may lead to low birth weight or preterm birth.
Chronic Hypertension: Hypertension that starts before the 20th week of pregnancy or before a woman becomes pregnant.
Preeclampsia: Unexpected increase in blood pressure post the 20th week of pregnancy. This usually occurs in the last trimester. In sporadic cases, symptoms may not start until after delivery. This is termed postpartum preeclampsia. Preeclampsia could be life-threatening or serious for both the mother and the baby.

Preventive Measures for Hypertension:

Before Pregnancy:
Plan for your pregnancy and talk with your health care team about the following:
- Any health problems you may have had or any medications you are taking.
- How to maintain a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity.
During Pregnancy:
- Get early and consistent prenatal care.
- Discuss with your doctor about any medications you take.
- Track your blood pressure at home using a home blood pressure monitor.
- Eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight.
After Pregnancy
- Observe how you feel after childbirth and contact your health care provider right away if you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia after delivery.

What are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia symptoms include:

A continuous headache
Vision changes that also include blurry vision, sighting spots, or changes in eyesight
Vomiting or nausea
Pain in the upper stomach area
Swelling of the hands or face
Sudden weight gain
Trouble breathing

How is Preeclampsia diagnosed?

Your doctor checks your urine and blood pressure during each prenatal visit. If the blood pressure reading is high (140/90 or higher), specifically after the 20th week of pregnancy, some tests are run to diagnose preeclampsia.

Treatment of Preeclampsia?

Childbirth often cures preeclampsia. While making a decision about the treatment, the doctor provider takes into account various factors. They include how severe the condition is, how far along with the pregnancy you are, and what are the possible risks to you and your baby.

If you are more than 37 weeks into pregnancy, your doctor will most likely advise you to deliver the baby.
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, your doctor will closely monitor your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a condition that needs close monitoring. One need not get alarmed and stressed about this condition.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressureinpregnancy.html

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046098

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chronic-hypertension-blood-pressure

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/261435-overview