Hypertension during pregnancy is a serious medical condition that can lead to both maternal and fetal complications if left untreated.

Hypertension is characterized as high blood pressure, which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. Pregnant women who experience hypertension are classified into several categories, including gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia.

The prevalence of hypertension during pregnancy varies across seasons and geographic locations. Research has shown that seasonal differences can have a significant impact on blood pressure and overall health outcomes.

This article will discuss the seasonal differences in hypertension during pregnancy and its effect on maternal and fetal health.

Winter

Winter season is associated with low temperatures, decreased physical activity, and an increase in respiratory infections leading to an increase in hypertension during pregnancy, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertension.

The cold temperature can cause vasoconstriction in the blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

In addition, during winter, people tend to have a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to obesity and high blood pressure. Research has shown that weight gain during pregnancy is more prominent during winter than during other seasons.

Obesity during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for hypertension and other complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

Spring

Spring season is characterized by increasing temperatures, which can lead to an increase in physical activity, and a decrease in hypertension during pregnancy.

Research has shown that outdoor physical activity such as walking and cycling is more prevalent during spring, leading to better blood pressure control and a decrease in the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

However, during the spring season, seasonal allergies are common, and a history of allergic rhinitis is associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Allergies can cause an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Pregnant women with a history of allergic rhinitis need to be monitored closely for the development of hypertension during pregnancy.

Summer

Summer season is characterized by high temperatures, increased humidity, and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. High temperatures can lead to dehydration and an increase in blood pressure.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage, leading to an inflammatory response, causing hypertension during pregnancy.

In addition, during summer, there is an increase in physical activity such as outdoor sports. The increase in physical activity can lead to better blood pressure control and a decrease in the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

However, excessive physical activity can lead to dehydration and an increase in blood pressure. Pregnant women should engage in moderate physical activity during summer to avoid complications.

Fall

Fall season is characterized by a decrease in temperatures and an increase in rainfall.

In areas with high rainfall, there is an increase in mosquito breeding, leading to an increase in the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika virus and dengue fever. Mosquito-borne illnesses are associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

In addition, during fall, there is an increase in respiratory infections, leading to an increase in hypertension during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with a history of asthma or other respiratory illnesses need to be monitored closely for the development of hypertension during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hypertension during pregnancy varies across seasons and geographic locations. Winter and summer are associated with an increase in hypertension during pregnancy, while spring and fall are associated with a decrease in hypertension.

Pregnant women need to be monitored closely during seasons associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Pregnant women should engage in moderate physical activity and avoid excessive sun exposure and dehydration.