Pregnancy hypertension, also known as gestational hypertension, is a condition that affects women during pregnancy. It occurs when a woman’s blood pressure rises beyond normal levels during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks of gestation.

It is different from chronic hypertension, which affects women before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation. Pregnancy hypertension can cause serious complications for both the mother and baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, and preeclampsia.

Understanding Pregnancy Hypertension

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various changes, including increased blood volume and changes in the structure and function of blood vessels.

These changes can put additional stress on the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to pregnancy hypertension. Although the exact cause of pregnancy hypertension is not known, some risk factors have been identified, including:.

Obesity
Chronic hypertension
History of pregnancy hypertension
Family history of hypertension or heart disease
Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)

The Link Between Pregnancy Hypertension and Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease

Pregnancy hypertension does not always cause long-term health problems. In most cases, blood pressure returns to normal after delivery.

However, some studies have suggested that women who experience pregnancy hypertension are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. Cardiovascular disease is a term used to describe conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

One study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology followed 15,000 women for up to 30 years after pregnancy.

The study found that women who had pregnancy hypertension had a 70% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life than women who did not have hypertension during pregnancy. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a similar link between pregnancy hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Why Does Pregnancy Hypertension Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

The exact reason why pregnancy hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular disease is not known. However, researchers have proposed several possible explanations, including:.

Pregnancy hypertension may be an early sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. Women who are predisposed to cardiovascular disease may be more likely to develop pregnancy hypertension during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hypertension may cause long-term changes to blood vessels and the heart, making them less able to function properly. For example, pregnancy hypertension may cause damage to the inner lining of blood vessels, which can lead to the buildup of plaque and an increased risk of heart disease.
Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity and insulin resistance, may be more common in women who have experienced pregnancy hypertension.

What Can Women Do to Reduce Their Risk of Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease?

Although the link between pregnancy hypertension and postpartum cardiovascular disease is not fully understood, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk:.

Get regular check-ups: Women who have experienced pregnancy hypertension should have regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor their blood pressure and overall health.
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Manage other risk factors: Women who have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or diabetes, should take steps to manage these conditions.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy hypertension is a common condition that affects many women during pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after delivery, it can increase the risk of postpartum cardiovascular disease.

Women who have experienced pregnancy hypertension should be aware of this risk and take steps to reduce their overall risk of cardiovascular disease.