High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy: Know the Facts & Risk

 

Hypertension during pregnancy starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and might last until delivery. Commonly called gestational hypertension, the symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy are mostly not visible, which is why consulting the best gynecologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai at regular intervals is important. The doctor will assess your and the baby’s health throughout your pregnancy closely to ensure hypertension doesn’t cause any health concerns or pregnancy complications. 

How is it Different from Regular Hypertension?

Hypertension during pregnancy is different from hypertension at other times, as your organs work harder to provide the fetus with oxygen and all essential nutrients. Your heart, especially, has to pump more blood during pregnancy. In addition to affecting the function of your heart and other organs, hypertension during pregnancy can affect placenta development. There’s a high risk of complications in your child before, during, and post-delivery. 

Types of Hypertension During Pregnancy

Hypertension can begin before and during pregnancy and might cause a host of symptoms. Let’s check out the types of high blood pressure you should know.

Chronic Hypertension: If you develop the condition in the first half of your pregnancy, i.e. before 20 weeks, you might have chronic hypertension, which lasts after the delivery. It also increases your risk of preeclampsia. 

Gestational Hypertension: Hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy falls into the gestational high blood pressure category. Although it may not necessarily result in organ damage, gestational hypertension can sometimes cause preeclampsia, which is why regular monitoring is important.

Preeclampsia: People diagnosed with preeclampsia have high blood pressure and traces of protein in the urine. The condition might affect your vital organs, like the liver, kidney, and brain, and might eventually result in eclampsia. 

Who is at a Higher Risk of Preeclampsia?

The risk of preeclampsia is higher in people:

• Under 20 or above 40 years
• Are diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, like lupus
• Have a history of preeclampsia in past pregnancies
• Have kidney diseases
• Have multiple babies
• Diagnosed with diabetes

Preeclampsia is a serious condition caused by elevated blood pressure. If remained unaddressed, the condition can cause organ damage in the mother and growth issues in the baby.

Symptoms of Hypertension During Pregnancy

High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer since people don’t usually notice the symptoms until a healthcare provider finds elevated blood pressure. Here are some common signs of hypertension during pregnancy.

• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Increased weight
• Swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches

Although the condition may not cause any complications in your pregnancy, elevated blood pressure can put you at an increased risk of liver problems, seizures, heart strokes, blood clots, and kidney diseases. 
A common complication of hypertension during pregnancy is the irregular supply of blood and oxygen to the fetus. This increases the risk of premature delivery, stillbirth, a low-weight baby, and so on. You must see a maternity hospital in Vashi, Navi Mumbai to rule out the possibility of hypertension. It's also important to self-check your blood pressure levels regularly to keep your blood pressure level in check.