Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life. The happiness of carrying a life inside you is unmatched. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and challenges. One such challenge is high blood pressure or hypertension.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. It is, thus, crucial to understand the perils of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

What is High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the blood pressure in your arteries is higher than it should be. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is defined as blood pressure readings that are consistently above 140/90 mmHg. You may have high blood pressure before pregnancy or during pregnancy. There are three main types of high blood pressure during pregnancy:.

Types of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy in women who have not had high blood pressure before pregnancy. It usually resolves within 12 weeks of delivery.

Chronic Hypertension

Chronic hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that a woman may have before pregnancy or develops before the 20th week of pregnancy. It usually continues after delivery.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a severe condition that can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most commonly the liver and kidneys.

If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to complications such as stroke, seizures, or even death.

Perils of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby.

For the Mother

High blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of the following complications for the mother:.

Preterm delivery
Preeclampsia
Poor fetal growth
Placental abruption
Heart disease
Stroke

For the Baby

High blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of the following complications for the baby:.

Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Poor fetal growth
Stillbirth
Newborn respiratory distress syndrome
Neonatal intensive care requirement

Prevention and Management of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

Prevention and management of high blood pressure during pregnancy can minimize the risk of complications.

Lifestyle Changes

Changes in lifestyle can help prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy. These changes include:.

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use

Medication

Medications can help manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, not all medications are safe during pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring

Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential during pregnancy to detect high blood pressure early and prevent complications.

Pregnant women should check their blood pressure regularly, especially if they have a history of high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it.

Conclusion

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby.

It is crucial to understand the types, perils, and management of high blood pressure during pregnancy to prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.