HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY

This topic may be useful for many women who are planning on having a baby or who are already pregnant. During pregnancy you have to face each day critically. There are chances that you could develop high blood pressure during your pregnancy which could be complicated and dangerous for both you and your child. However if you observe all the precautions during your prenatal stage you can have a successful pregnancy.

Tips to monitor your blood pressure during pregnancy

Since high blood pressure during pregnancy can be fatal and if you are already having chronic high blood pressure it is advisable that you consult your doctor before deciding to become pregnant to weigh the pros and cons. During the pregnancy stage you should control your weight by exercising regularly, take limited amounts of salt, avoid smoking, alcohol, tobacco and go for regular prenatal checkups. Also consult your doctor before taking any medications.

Different types of high blood pressure during pregnancy

The first is the Chronic hypertension where your blood pressure develops 20 weeks prior to your pregnancy and lasts for more than 12 weeks after delivery. The second is Gestational hypertension which develops 20 weeks post your pregnancy and vanishes after delivery. The third and most important is Preeclampsia which is a serious condition where you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine 20 weeks after your pregnancy. This condition can lead to life threatening situations for you and your baby.

Effects of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia usually starts at the fifth month of pregnancy and can affect the placenta, your kidney, brain and liver. You can be subjected to seizures leading to premature birth or low birth weight of your baby or even stillborn conditions. The effects will be far more lethal for you than for your baby.

Who are likely to develop Preeclampsia

If you are already a chronic hypertension patient before becoming pregnant there are chances of you having this condition or if you have gone through the Preeclampsia condition in your previous pregnancies. If you are obese before your pregnancy or if you are under the age of 20 or above 40, or if you are pregnant with more than one baby then also this condition could occur. If you have any kidney problems or diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or lupus then you are prone to this condition.

Symptoms

If you have high blood pressure and excessive protein in your urine then this is one symptom. The others are constant headaches, abdominal pain, blurred vision, nausea, decrease in urine, sensitivity to light and sudden weight gain.