High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Symptoms and Prevention

Table of Content

• What is High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

• Types of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

• Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

• 5 ways to lower High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

• How to Prevent High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

• What causes High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

• Treatment of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on How to prevent High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

What is High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a serious health concern for both mother and baby. Understanding the causes, risks, and treatments for high blood pressure during pregnancy.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is defined as having systolic (top number) readings of 140 mmHg or higher and diastolic (bottom number) readings of 90 mmHg or higher. High blood pressure can cause complications such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and low birth weight.

Pregnant women need to monitor their blood pressure regularly to help prevent any potential complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and taking medications if necessary.

Types of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

It is important to understand the different types of high blood pressure to identify and manage it effectively. 

There are three main types of high blood pressure during pregnancy: 

1. Gestational hypertension

Gestational hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and resolves after delivery.

A doctor diagnoses gestational hypertension if systolic pressure is at least 140 mm Hg, diastolic pressure is at least 90 mm Hg, or both.

If left untreated, gestational hypertension can lead to pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, which can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

2. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a severe medical condition that can occur during or after pregnancy. Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if left untreated. Usually, the condition develops after week 20, often in the third trimester. If it happens before week 34, doctors call it early-onset preeclampsia. It may develop in the weeks after delivery, but this is rare.

Pregnant women need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia so they can seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience any of them. 

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of preeclampsia-related complications.

3. Chronic hypertension

Chronic hypertension is when a woman has had high blood pressure before becoming pregnant or before 20 weeks gestation. 

Each type of high blood pressure requires different management strategies to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

1. Signs and symptoms of Gestational hypertension

It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension to seek medical attention and ensure the health of both mother and baby. 

Common signs and symptoms include

• Headaches

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain 

• Swelling in the hands or feet

• Rapid weight gain

• Shortness of breath

• Elevated blood pressure readings. 

2. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia are characterized by 

• high blood pressure

• protein in the urine

• swelling of the hands and feet.

It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia so that it can be diagnosed early and treated promptly. 

Other common signs and symptoms include 

• Headaches,

• Vision changes

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Rapid weight gain

• Decreased urine output

• Shortness of breath.

You must contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy.

3. Signs and symptoms of chronic hypertension

The signs and symptoms of chronic hypertension in pregnancy can vary from mild to severe and can include 

• Headaches 

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Swelling in the hands and feet.

5 ways to lower High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

High blood pressure can be a serious health concern for the mother and baby. Fortunately, there are several ways to lower high blood pressure during pregnancy. From lifestyle changes to medications, here are five ways to lower high blood pressure during pregnancy and ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.

1. Avoid high-sodium foods

During pregnancy, it is essential to check the salt intake to keep your blood pressure under control. Avoid processed, canned, and fast foods high in sodium which is one of the potential risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy.

2. Practice controlled breathing

Deep breathing is a popular relaxation technique that helps lower stress levels and stabilizes blood pressure.

When you take a deep breath, well-oxygenated blood gets delivered to every cell in the body, which provides energy, and makes you feel good overall. Practice deep breathing for 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times daily, to manage your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.

3. Enjoy walking

Walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women. Hypertensive pregnant women can lower their blood pressure by taking a brisk walk of 30 to 45 minutes daily. It is a safe activity to continue throughout all nine months of the pregnancy.

4. Eat potassium-rich foods

Potassium is an important mineral during pregnancy. It helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, bananas, kidney beans, peas, potatoes, dried fruits, melon, and cantaloupe.

5. Manage your weight

Being overweight is a risk factor for hypertension; thus, it is necessary to take caution to keep your pregnancy weight gain within healthy limits. You can get to a healthy weight through a healthy diet and a proper exercise routine.

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

Prevention of high blood pressure during pregnancy ensures a healthy and safe delivery. Several lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as 

• eating a balanced diet

• exercising regularly

• reducing stress levels

• avoiding smoking and alcohol,

• regular check-ups with your doctor can also help monitor your blood pressure levels and detect any potential issues early on. 

By taking these preventive measures, you can ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

What causes High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?

Understanding what causes high blood pressure during pregnancy is essential to reduce the risk of developing this condition. There are several risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy, including 

1. Age

The risk of hypertension increases with age as changes happen to the blood vessels over time.

2. Weight 

Sedentary life and obesity are important risk factors for developing hypertension during pregnancy.

3. Family history and other diseases

A family history of high blood pressure or a disease, such as kidney disease, increases the risk of hypertension in pregnancy.

4. Lifestyle choices

Alcohol, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet (high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats) put you at risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy.

Treatment of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

Treatment options for high blood pressure during pregnancy include lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring of fetal growth. It is essential to discuss with your doctor what treatment plan is best for you and your baby.

1. Treatment for gestational hypertension It typically involves:

• Lifestyle changes, including reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. 

• Medications may include antihypertensive drugs or diuretics to help lower blood pressure.

• Monitoring the mother's health which includes regular check-ups with her doctor and blood pressure levels. 

With proper treatment, gestational hypertension can be managed effectively, and the risk of complications can be reduced significantly.

2. Treatment for preeclampsia

It depends on how far along the pregnancy it is diagnosed, as well as other factors such as age, medical history, and overall health. Treatment options include 

• bed rest, 

• medications to lower blood pressure or prevent seizures, 

• delivery of the baby if necessary, or a combination of these treatments. 

3. Treatment options for chronic hypertension in pregnancy includes:

• lifestyle modifications, including reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower blood pressure levels.

• Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure levels.

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is also vital to ensure that the treatment plan is effective.

Take-Home Points

• High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can have long-term health consequences for both the mother and the baby. 

• It is essential to know the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy and its potential risks.

• Prevention of high blood pressure during pregnancy ensures a healthy and safe delivery. 

• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing this condition and ensuring a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.

References

• Hypertension in pregnancy

• High blood pressure during pregnancy

• High blood pressure and pregnancy