Women that are mom-to-be go through a lot of changes and conditions. If a woman is pregnant, it is common to have high blood pressure. Also, if you only had it now when you’re pregnant, you have gestational hypertension.
In Canada, hypertension affects 7% of pregnancies. Yet, most moms with this condition have healthy babies. Still, high blood pressure may be a symptom of a health condition.
The facts that you must know about this condition are:
1. Constant High Blood Pressure
Pregnant moms with this condition have a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg and above. Hence, normal blood pressure in pregnancy is 120/80 mm Hg and below. With this condition, the mom and the baby may have health problems.
The best way to stop further problems is to have a regular talk with your doctor. By doing so, you will know what increases your blood pressure. Therefore, they will track the pressure of your blood. After the 6th week of giving birth, your high blood pressure will likely go back to normal.
2. Causes are still unknown.
But some factors increase the risk of having it. Examples of factors that lead to higher risk include:
- First time to have a baby
- Obese before pregnancy
- Age of 20 and below
- Has an age 40 and up
- African-American. A study says that Black and Hispanic women are at higher risk of having this condition. Also, women from the said races are also at high risk of having diabetes compared to white women.
- Have a history of certain hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. If you had high blood pressure in the past, you are likely to have it again.
- Mothers of twins, triplets, or many babies are prone to it. Hence, moms who are about to have twins are two times likely to have this condition than those who have only one.
- Have diabetes and kidney disease
3. Symptoms Differ from each Pregnancy
Watch out for:
- Constant headache
- Swelling in some parts of the body
- Sudden weight gain
- Problems in eyesight like blurred or double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain around the stomach
- Pain in the upper right of the belly
- Less urine
Most of the symptoms above are also in other illnesses. Moreover, tell your doctor if you have any of these signs. By doing so, it will assure the doctor if you have the condition.
4. Affects the Mother and the Baby
In some cases, there are effects of high blood pressure on both of you. Such are:
- Damaged organs like kidneys
- It can lessen blood flow going to the placenta. Due to this, the baby will get less oxygen and nutrients that they need.
- Risk of having heart disease or high blood pressure in the future
- Mother with a smaller baby. Babies are often small. However, this condition may cause the baby to be born smaller than normal.
5. It can Result in Preeclampsia.
In this condition, damages occur to the placenta and other organs. Brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs are examples of the organs that may have an injury.
Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are two of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Also, both may lead to preterm birth, low birth weight of the baby, and even death.
Due to the possible problems, doctors suggest early birth. Likewise, you may have the baby 37 weeks before the due date that you’ve thought.
6. Tests to Undergo
Doctors may:
- Read your blood pressure
- Check for protein levels in the urine as this may tell of kidney problems.
- See if you have swollen body parts
- Check for your weight more often
- Ask you to do liver and kidney function tests and blood clotting tests.
7. The Goal of the Treatment
The signs may get worse if not properly treated. Hence, the treatment will depend on your pregnancy, symptoms, and health. Also, it depends on how severe the condition is. Hence, a health care provider will do tests to check the baby’s health. They may give you medicines that will help the baby’s lungs form.
Furthermore, this condition occurs in 3 in 50 pregnancies. Mom’s health will also concern the baby’s health. Also, there is no need to worry as you have a high chance of having a healthy baby. Going for a healthy life may prevent high blood pressure. Therefore, one should stay fit by working out and eating a healthy diet. Besides, drink lots of water and stay away from too much salt. To have normal blood pressure in pregnancy, do regular checkups with your doctor. Above all, track your health, they will tell you how to cope with it.
