High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Raised blood pressure in pregnancy ranges from mild to serious. Because it can develop quietly, regular antenatal checks are the key to catching it early.
Types of high blood pressure
- Chronic hypertension — present before pregnancy or before 20 weeks.
- Gestational hypertension — develops after 20 weeks, without protein in the urine.
- Pre-eclampsia — high blood pressure with signs of organ strain (often protein in urine) after 20 weeks; potentially serious.
Warning signs to never ignore
Seek care urgently for: severe headache, vision changes (blurring, flashing lights), upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling of face or hands, nausea and vomiting late in pregnancy, or reduced baby movements. These can signal pre-eclampsia.
Why it matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the placenta, affecting your baby growth, and can progress to pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (seizures), which are dangerous for both of you. Early detection and treatment prevent most serious outcomes.
Management
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure and urine at antenatal visits.
- Safe medications to control blood pressure when needed.
- Low-dose aspirin may be advised for those at high risk of pre-eclampsia — only on medical advice.
- Adequate calcium intake may lower risk.
- Rest, reduced salt where advised, and close follow-up; sometimes earlier delivery is safest.
Frequently asked questions
Is high blood pressure in pregnancy dangerous?
It can be, especially if it progresses to pre-eclampsia. With monitoring and treatment, most women and babies do well.
Can I prevent pre-eclampsia?
You cannot always, but attending all checks, adequate calcium, and low-dose aspirin (if prescribed) reduce risk in high-risk women.
What blood pressure is too high?
Generally 140/90 mmHg or above is raised in pregnancy. Your doctor will interpret readings alongside other signs.
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