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Maternal Hypertension in Pregnancy: Long-Term Stroke Risk

Maternal hypertension in pregnancy is a common complication that can cause long-term damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. This article covers the long-term stroke risk of maternal hypertension in pregnancy, its types, and effects on pregnancy management by fredlamb
Estimated reading time: 3 min 25 sec
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Hypertension or high blood pressure during pregnancy is a common complication that can affect both the mother and her unborn baby.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 8% of pregnant women in the United States develop hypertension during pregnancy. Maternal hypertension in pregnancy, whether it is pre-existing or develops during pregnancy, is a significant risk factor for long-term stroke.

What is Maternal Hypertension in Pregnancy?

Maternal hypertension in pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, measured on two separate occasions, at least four hours apart, after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman. Pregnant women who have pre-existing hypertension or hypertension that develops before 20 weeks of gestation are also considered to have hypertension in pregnancy.

Types of Maternal Hypertension in Pregnancy

There are four classifications of maternal hypertension in pregnancy:.

  • Gestational Hypertension – high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There is no proteinuria or other signs of organ damage.
  • Preeclampsia – high blood pressure with proteinuria or other signs of organ damage after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Eclampsia – seizures or convulsions in a woman with preeclampsia, which cannot be attributed to other causes, such as epilepsy or cerebral hemorrhage.
  • Chronic Hypertension – a pre-existing hypertension present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy, or blood pressure that persists beyond 6 weeks postpartum.

Effects of Maternal Hypertension on Pregnancy

Maternal hypertension can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby, including:.

  • Preterm birth – giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  • Low birth weight – baby weighs less than 5 pounds 8 ounces at birth
  • Preeclampsia – a serious pregnancy complication that can cause damage to the mother’s kidneys, liver, and brain, as well as premature delivery
  • Fetal growth restriction – the baby is not growing at a normal rate
  • Stillbirth – the baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy

Long-Term Stroke Risk

The risk of developing stroke is higher among women with a history of hypertension during pregnancy compared to women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

A long-term study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that women with a history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension were twice as likely to have a stroke in later life compared to women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

Related Article Stroke Risk for Mothers with Hypertensive Pregnancies Stroke Risk for Mothers with Hypertensive Pregnancies

The study, which followed over 4,600 women for an average of 12.6 years, found that the risk of stroke was highest among women who had hypertension during pregnancy before age 40.

Women who developed hypertension after age 40 had a lower risk of stroke but were still at higher risk than women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

Why Does Hypertension in Pregnancy Increase Stroke Risk?

The exact mechanism by which hypertension in pregnancy increases the risk of stroke is not fully understood.

However, researchers suggest that hypertension during pregnancy can cause long-term damage to blood vessels, which can increase the risk of stroke. Chronic hypertension can also lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can cause a blockage and lead to a stroke.

Prevention and Management of Maternal Hypertension in Pregnancy

Prevention and management of maternal hypertension in pregnancy is crucial to reduce the risk of complications, including stroke. Here are some recommended practices for managing maternal hypertension in pregnancy:.

  • Regular prenatal care – early detection and management of hypertension can prevent complications
  • Medication – blood pressure-lowering medications may be prescribed to manage hypertension during pregnancy
  • Lifestyle changes – dietary changes, exercise, and stress management can help manage blood pressure during pregnancy
  • Delivery – delivery may be recommended to prevent complications in severe cases of hypertension in pregnancy or preeclampsia

Conclusion

Maternal hypertension in pregnancy is a common complication that can cause long-term damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.

Women with a history of hypertension during pregnancy should be aware of their increased risk of stroke and take steps to manage their blood pressure. Early detection and management of maternal hypertension in pregnancy can prevent complications and improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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