High blood pressure in pregnancy
High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a common complication in pregnancy, affecting approximately 10-15% of pregnant women.
High blood pressure can cause complications for mothers and babies in pregnancy, so early recognition and management is important.
There are 3 main types of hypertension in pregnancy:
1. Chronic hypertension – when you already have high blood pressure before you become pregnant
2. Gestational or pregnancy induced hypertension – high blood pressure appearing and progressing after 20 weeks of pregnancy without other organ involvement. (Meaning your kidney and liver function are still normal).
3. Pre-eclampsia – the most severe form of pregnancy induced hypertension. High blood pressure being the symptom of a much more serious issue with your kidneys, liver or circulatory system. Occurs in up to 5% of pregnancies.
So, what does this mean?
In early pregnancy, it may be normal for you to have ‘low’ blood pressure. Around 22 weeks gestation, your blood pressure should return to normal, meaning, less than 140/90.
During routine antenatal (pregnancy) care, the midwife or doctor should assess your blood pressure at every appointment as well as periodically checking your urine/blood for any signs of issues developing with your kidneys or liver.
If you already had hypertension or you develop high blood pressure during your pregnancy you will likely need more antenatal visits and blood tests. You may also need medication to help control your high blood pressure which is crucial to protect you and your baby.
For most women, high blood pressure in pregnancy is only mild, develops late in the pregnancy and is easy to manage. However, occasionally pre-eclampsia may develop and can become severe or life-threatening very quickly (<1% of cases).
If you have high blood pressure and you experience any of the following, its important you inform your doctor right away:
× Swelling of hands, feet & face
× Blurry/starry vision
× Pain in upper abdomen
× Severe frontal headaches
Written by Keryn Thompson RM & IBCLC (L-301766)
Date: 04.2023
#pregnancyproblems #pregnancyissues #hypertension