High Blood Pressure and Pregnangy
High Blood Pressure during pregnancy may cause problems for both baby and the mother. According to the specialists at National Heart, Lunge and Blood Institute hypertension could harm expecting mothers kidneys and other organs. The baby could be born early with low unhealthy weight. In addition untreated hypertension during pregnancy can cause harm to baby`s heart and blood vessels.
I Have Been Diagnosed with Hypertension – Can I Try to Conceive?
It is important to talk to your doctor about your intensions to fall pregnant as soon as possible. Some of the blood pressure medications are not safe and suitable for pregnant women and their baby. This means that a new treatment plan needs to be put in place.
Doctors will encourage you to make changes to your lifestyle habits before you try to conceive. If you fall pregnant with hypertensions doctors will also ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home and you may need to visit your health care provider more regularly.
Developing High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
Unfortunately some women with previously healthy blood pressure can develop high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure (Readings around 140/90) is called Gestational Hypertension that occurs during pregnancy. It is often detected during the second and third trimester.
Preeclampsia is another type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. Or after giving birth. Preeclampsia often is detected at the end of second trimester. This is a condition where a woman suffers from combination of high blood pressure and her vital organs (such as kidneys, heart) are not working well. In worst case Preeclampsia can lead to Eclampsia: seizures and coma that are life-threatening.
You are in the risk group if you are over 40, pregnant with twins or triplets or African- American & Black. Also type 1 or 2 diabetes, auto-immune disease, obesity or previous or family history of preeclampsia will increase your risk.
Great news is that you can take action and reduce your risk for developing Preeclampsia. Stay physically active and maintain heart healthy diet. If you want to educate yourself further you can find more information about Preeclampsia in here!
Stay Alert After Your Pregnancy
In some occasions high blood pressure does not ease after the birth. In rare occasions it can get worse. High Blood Pressure can lead to severe heart problems later in life, such as stroke. Healthcare professionals will ask you to monitor your blood pressure after the baby is born to stay on top of your health. We have a comprehensive list of The Blood Pressure Monitors for you to choose from if you do not already have one!
It is also important to highlight that preeclampsia can occur both during and even after 6 weeks after your baby is born. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms (see the list below) that may lead to Eclampsia:
- Sudden weight gain (within 2-7 days)
- Swelling in hands or face
- Trouble breathing
- Headaches that are staying or getting worse
- Peeing less often than normally
- Vision changes (such as blurry vision)
- Nausea and vomiting
