If you are pregnant, high blood pressure can cause problems for you and your unborn baby. You may have had high blood pressure before you got pregnant. Or you may get it once you are pregnant - a condition called gestational hypertension. Either one can cause low birth weight or premature delivery of the baby.

Controlling your blood pressure during pregnancy and getting regular prenatal care are important for the health of you and your baby. Treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy may include close monitoring of the baby, lifestyle changes, and certain medicines.

Some pregnant women with high blood pressure develop preeclampsia. It's a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can be life-threatening for both you and the unborn baby. There is no proven way to prevent it. Most women who have signs of preeclampsia are closely monitored to lessen or avoid complications. The only way to "cure" preeclampsia is to deliver the baby.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following features are indicative of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • nausea or vomiting
  • decreased urinary output
  • abdominal pain
  • shortness of breath
  • drowsiness
  • fever

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Common Causes of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following are the most common causes of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • multiple gestation
  • previous history of hypertension
  • chronic kidney disease
  • pre-existing medical conditions
  • mothers under 20 or over 40 years old[

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following factors may increase the likelihood of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • obesity
  • new paternity
  • thrombophilias
  • past history of medical disease
  • adolescent pregnancy
  • family history

Prevention of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Yes, it may be possible to prevent High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • pre-pregnancy hypertension evaluation and control
  • intake low salt in diet
  • physical activity
  • maintain healthy weight
  • regular prenatal medical care
  • avoid alcohol and tobacco

Occurrence of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Number of Cases

The following are the number of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • Sphygmomanometer: To check the systolic and diastolic blood pressure
  • Urine test: To check protein amount in urine
  • Blood tests: To evaluate pregnancy-induced hypertension

Doctor for Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • Cardiologist
  • Gynaecologist

Complications of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy if untreated

Yes, High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy is left untreated:
  • low birth weight
  • premature delivery
  • vision loss
  • bad effect on baby's health

Medicines for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Below is the list of medicines used for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:

Self-care for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • Take healthy diet: Eat healthy food with low salt
  • do regular exercise
  • maintain healthy weight
  • avoid alcohol consumption

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:
  • Do yoga and meditation: To reduce stress-induced hypertension

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy.
Health Problems in Pregnancy

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