High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia)
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about high blood pressure in pregnancy.
What is High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
Pre-eclampsia, also known as blood poisoning in pregnant women, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy, where the pregnant woman experiences high blood pressure and increased protein levels in the urine.
High blood pressure in pregnancy can occur at any time during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after delivery. It is more common after 20 weeks of pregnancy and in a mother’s first pregnancy. It can develop gradually over several weeks or appear suddenly over a few hours.
What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
- Women may suffer from the condition without showing any symptoms. Therefore, it isessential to have regular prenatal check-ups for blood pressure and urine todetect the condition before it becomes dangerous for the mother and child.
- Early symptomsof highblood pressureinpregnancy:
Sudden increase inblood pressure andprotein in urine.
- Advanced symptoms of highblood pressure in pregnancy:
- As high blood pressure in pregnancy progresses, it cancause fluid retention (edema), which often leads to suddenswelling in the feet, ankles, face, and hands.
- With the progression of high blood pressure in pregnancy, it may cause:
- Severe headaches that do not subside with painkillers.
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing bright lights.
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen (just below the ribs).
Heartburn that does not subside with antacids.
- Excessive weight gain due to fluid retention.
General feeling of being unwell.
Symptoms that appear in the fetus:
- The main sign ofpre-eclampsia in the fetusis slow growth.
- What are the Causesof High BloodPressure in Pregnancy?
- The exact causes of high blood pressure in pregnancy are unknown, but you may be at greater risk if the pregnant woman:
- Has chronic high blood pressure.
- Has a chronic condition such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or kidney disorders.
- Has had pregnancy-induced hypertension before.
- Is 40 years or older or younger than 18 years.
- Is carrying twins or triplets.
- Has a family history of pre-eclampsia(i.e., her mother had pre-eclampsia).IVF).
- Had excess weight at the start ofpregnancy (body mass index 35 or more)..
Has had a 10-year or more gap since her last pregnancy.
Is pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF).:
- Has an autoimmune disordersuch as rheumatoid arthritis.
- How isitdiagnosed?
Doctors take the medical history and conduct a physical examination, and may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
Blood pressure check at every prenatal appointment since high blood pressure can be the first sign of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia can also be diagnosed by checking for protein in the urine.
If the doctor is concerned about high blood pressure in pregnancy, they may request blood tests, an ultrasound, or monitoring the baby’s heart rate.
- What are the Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
- Treatment includes several procedures, as required, and may involve the following:
- Once pre-eclampsia develops, the issuedoes not disappear until afterthe child is born.Treatment may start with:
- Resting at home, although some women may need hospitalization and medication to lower high blood pressure and control body fluid levels.
The patient may also use medication to prevent seizures.
- However, sometimes the only way to treat the disease is to give birth to the child early, either through induced labor or a cesarean section.
- After delivery, symptoms of high blood pressure rapidly subside. However, there may still be complications, so the patient may need to stay in the hospital for several days and continue taking medication to reduce her blood pressure.
- How to Prevent High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
- Drinking enough water to keep the urine a pale yellow color.
Avoiding alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes.
Ensuring attendance at all prenatal appointments.
- Gentle exercise and keeping the feetelevated while sitting can also helpreduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia..
- What are the Complications of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
- If untreated, pre-eclampsia can increase:
- The risk of stroke.
- Impaired kidney and liver function.
Blood clotting problems, fluid in the lungs, and seizures.
The risk of placental abruption from the uterine wall, leading to bleeding.
The baby might be born small or stillborn.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
However, it is possible for severe high blood pressure in pregnancy to occur without any symptoms, or for pre-eclampsia to develop shortly after birth, so you should inform your doctor of any concerns you may have after giving birth to your child.
