What Is High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy (gestational hypertension)?

Pregnancy-associated hypertension is hypertension that begins after the 20th week of pregnancy and ends shortly after the baby is born. This happens in about 6-8% of pregnancies. Your doctor may also refer to high blood pressure during pregnancy as gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Gestational hypertension differs from other types of hypertension in that it begins in the second half of pregnancy and disappears after delivery.

High blood pressure may not cause any obvious symptoms, so it's important to attend all prenatal appointments so your antenatal doctor can measure your blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy may lead to other complications. Your doctor will monitor you and the fetus more closely and will help you control your blood pressure throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

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What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), it means that the pressure on your blood vessel walls is above the normal range.

How does high blood pressure during pregnancy differ from high blood pressure at other times?

High blood pressure during pregnancy affects your body differently than it did when you weren't pregnant. Your heart works harder during pregnancy because it has to pump a lot more blood. This puts additional strain on the body. They vary depending on when it starts and what symptoms it's causing.

The most common kinds of hypertension during pregnancy are:

Chronic Hypertension: Hypertension before or in early pregnancy (before 20 weeks). This type of high blood pressure occurs after the infant is born. People with chronic high blood pressure can also develop preeclampsia. This is referred to as chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.

Gestational Hypertension: high blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy. Some people with gestational high blood pressure develop preeclampsia. Your doctor will need to see you more often if you develop gestational hypertension.

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Preeclampsia: A condition that occurs only in the second half of pregnancy (usually after 27 weeks of pregnancy). Your provider will diagnose this condition if you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine. It can affect the liver, kidneys, lungs or brain, as well as the placenta. If it affects your brain, you are at risk of seizures (eclampsia).

Who Are Most At Risk Of High Blood Pressure (hypertension) During Pregnancy?

You are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy if:You are under 20 or over 40.

Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia existed in previous pregnancies. There was a family history of gestational hypertension. You have diabetes or gestational diabetes. You have an immune system disease such as lupus. You have kidney problems. You are expecting many children (twins, triplets or more).

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Are Preeclampsia And Gestational Hypertension The Same Thing?

Not the same. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs during the second half of pregnancy but does not affect the kidneys or cause protein in the urine. This condition can progress to preeclampsia, so your doctor will monitor your pregnancy more frequently. 

Preeclampsia is a severe form of high blood pressure that also occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Left untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious health problems such as kidney, liver, and brain damage. Preeclampsia can also cause fetal growth problems and increase the risk of stillbirth. 

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What Causes Pregnant Women To Have High Blood Pressure?

The exact cause of high blood pressure during pregnancy is not known. Certain conditions or factors may develop your risk just as shown above. 

What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy? 

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because most people don't know their blood pressure is high. Along with your provider telling you that your blood pressure is high, some other symptoms include: 

• oedema (swelling)

• headache.

• Rapid weight gain.

• visual disturbances.

• Nausea or vomiting. 

• only ever pees a little. 

• abdominal pain. 

How Dangerous Is Hypertension (high blood pressure) During Pregnancy?

Not everyone will develop complications from high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, high blood pressure puts you at risk for the following complications:

• seizures rounds.
• Transient renal failure.
• liver problems.
• blood clotting disorders. 

You are also more likely to have a cesarean if you have high blood pressure. 

How will my baby be affected by gestational hypertension?

High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy can prevent the placenta (the supply of nutrition and oxygen to the fetus) from getting enough blood. 

This drop in blood and nutrients can cause Low birth weight or intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Low birth weight usually occurs when a baby is born weighing not up to 5 pounds 8 ounces. premature births (birth before 37 weeks gestation). stillbirths.

Premature induction of labour (39th week of pregnancy).

Most people with hypertension give birth to healthy babies if the condition is caught early in pregnancy. The more severe the disease, the higher the risk of serious complications.

What Is Normal Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

Your blood pressure consists of two numbers. The first number is given as your systolic blood pressure. It is a measure of how your heart is contracting or contracting. The second number is given as your diastolic blood pressure. This measures your heart while it rests between beats.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

Your pregnancy assistant will measure your blood pressure at every check-up. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and many factors can cause it to rise. If your doctor notices changes in your normal blood pressure or gets a reading above normal, he may suspect that you have high blood pressure. 

Check your blood pressure later during your visit to get a more normal reading. If your blood pressure doesn't stabilize, your doctor may do more tests.

In addition to additional blood pressure measurements, your provider may also:

• Check for protein in the urine.

• Check for oedema.

• Have blood tests been done to check liver and kidney function and blood clotting factors

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What Is The Treatment For Gestational Hypertension?

Healthcare professionals treat high blood pressure during pregnancy in different ways. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, your general health and the stage of your pregnancy.

Your pregnancy care provider will want to monitor your blood pressure closely and look for signs of high blood pressure.  This may lead to more frequent prenatal exams to check blood pressure and check urine for signs of preeclampsia. 

Your doctor may also recommend the following treatment components:

• blood pressure monitoring at home.

• drugs that lower blood pressure.

• hospitalization.

The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure or to prevent it's worsening and complications.

You will also want to monitor the fetus and perform frequent tests to check its health. 

Some of these tests include:

• ultrasound.

• Trystress-free.

• Biophysical Profile.

• Doppler ultrasound (a type of ultrasound that measures blood flow).

• fetal movement count (or kick count).

If your caregiver thinks the fetus will be born soon, they may give you steroids to help develop its lungs. These steroids reduce the risk of your baby having breathing problems at birth.

What Can I Do To Give Birth Safely If I Have High Blood Pressure (hypertension)?

The steps you can take to increase your chances of having a safe and healthy birth include:

• Take all high blood pressure medications as directed.

• blood pressure measurement at home.

• Go to all prenatal visits. pre-delivery if required.

• Eat a healthy diet and eat less salt.

• Follow your doctor's or dietitian's instructions about activity and exercise.

It is important to note that most people with hypertension do not have serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth if their blood pressure is well controlled.

Will I Be Initiated If I Have Gestational Hypertension?

Maybe. If your doctor thinks it's safer to give birth sooner, they may recommend that you induce labour. This can happen before your baby is 37 weeks pregnant (premature).

Does Bed Rest Help With Gestational Hypertension?

Absolutely. Bed rest is one of the treatments your caregiver may recommend to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Can High Blood Pressure (hypertension) Be Prevented During Pregnancy?

Since the cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy is unknown, it is difficult to prevent it. 

The best things you can do to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy (and when you're not pregnant) is:

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Eat healthily.

• Walk, ride a bike, or do yoga or other sports several times a week.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

• Have a good rest.

If you are at risk of developing high blood pressure, your caregiver may advise you to take a baby aspirin daily. 

Understanding your risk of developing high blood pressure and knowing the warning signs can prevent serious complications from the disease. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about your blood pressure or your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Will I Still Have High Blood Pressure (hypertension) After The Birth?

High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy usually goes away after delivery. However, it develops your risk of hypertension and heart illness in the future. If you've had severe preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, you may need medication for several weeks after giving birth. 

It's important to see your doctor or dietitian within 10 days of giving birth (after your baby is born) if you developed severe high blood pressure during labour.

People with chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy usually have the disease after childbirth. Sometimes blood pressure can remain high after childbirth and may require drug treatment. Your doctor will work with you after you are pregnant to check your blood pressure.

When Should You Be Concerned About High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

Call your obstetrician if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• sudden headaches that do not go away.

• Blurred vision or double vision.

• oedema.

• A little less than usual.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about how best to treat your condition. You can help prevent high blood pressure from causing serious complications for you or your fetus.

Dietary Management

Gestational hypertension, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a condition that some women experience during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and can lead to serious complications for both mother and child. However, several nutritional strategies can help control gestational high blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. A key strategy in treating gestational hypertension is to focus on a healthy, balanced diet. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It's important to limit or avoid processed and high-sodium foods, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Instead, choose low-sodium options and flavour foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. In addition to a healthy diet, staying hydrated is also important to manage gestational hypertension. 

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Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. It's also important to avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration and increase blood pressure. 

Finally, regular physical activity can also help control gestational hypertension. Gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga can help regulate blood pressure and improve overall health. However, it is important to consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise program during pregnancy. 

In conclusion, the dietary management of gestational hypertension is an important aspect of the management of this condition during pregnancy. By focusing on a healthy, balanced diet, staying hydrated and exercising regularly, women can help regulate their blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications for themselves and their babies. It's important to consult a dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise program during pregnancy.