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What is Hypertension in Pregnancy?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure is one of the most common problems that is encountered during pregnancy and is defined as blood pressure that is higher than 140/90 mm Hg. This condition during pregnancy is not always dangerous but can sometimes cause serious complications for both, the mother and the unborn baby.

What are the Types of Pregnancy-related hypertension conditions?

There are three primary types of pregnancy-related hypertension conditions. They are:

• Chronic Hypertension: This condition is referred to as pre-existing high blood pressure before a woman gets pregnant. Sometimes, hypertension that occurs within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is also considered as chronic hypertension and is often treated with blood pressure medication.

• Gestational Hypertension: This kind of hypertension usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and often resolves after delivery. The most common complication that gestational hypertension brings along is induced labour.

• Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia: This condition is referred to the high blood pressure a woman has before she becomes pregnant. Also, experiencing protein in the urine or other additional complications as the pregnancy progresses.

What Causes Hypertension in Pregnancy?

Several factors cause hypertension in pregnancy. They are:

• Being overweight or obese
• Not being active
• Age
• First-time pregnancy
• Carrying more than one child
• A family history of hypertension in pregnancy.
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Assistive technology such as IVF.

What are the Risk Factors for Hypertension in Pregnancy?

The risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy include:

• Certain unhealthy lifestyle choices may lead to hypertension in pregnancy.
• Being overweight or obese, or not being physically active are significant risk factors for this condition.
• Women who are experiencing their first pregnancy are at higher risks for high blood pressure as compared to those who have had previous pregnancies with the same partner.
• Women who carry multiples are more likely to develop hypertension in pregnancy, as their body undergoes additional stress.
• Maternal age is another factor as women above 40 years of age are at higher risks of this condition as compared to other younger women.
• Using assistive reproductive techniques such as IVF or others can increase the chances of high blood pressure in expectant mothers.
• Women who have had high blood pressure prior to pregnancy are at a high risk for hypertension-related complications during pregnancy.

What is the Treatment for Hypertension in Pregnancy?

While in most cases, medications are used to for the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy, it is essential to know that certain traditional blood pressure medications can cause adverse problems in pregnant women. Some drugs when consumed, pass through the bloodstream to the developing baby and can negatively impact the child’s health. These drugs can also cause the blood to thin, which can, in turn, compromise the mother’s ability to carry her baby to term. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor about your condition before consuming any medication.

Apollo Experience

At Apollo Clinic, our Obstetrics Department understands the importance of your health, especially during pregnancy; and provides you with all the support you need. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of skilled obstetricians, we promise to help you tackle hypertension in pregnancy with ease. Offering you the best consultation, diagnosis and treatment for all your health conditions, we assure you a healthy life.