High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy: 8 Things You Need to Know

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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After a year of trying to start a family, Meera and Mukesh were overjoyed to announce their pregnancy. Their excitement was palpable as the whole family celebrated the good news. The first few weeks progressed smoothly, but between the 20th and 22nd week, Meera began experiencing headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. Concerned, the parents-to-be contacted their gynaecologist, who diagnosed Meera with high blood pressure.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is pretty standard, but it can be risky for both mom and baby. That's why proper treatment is so essential for a healthy pregnancy. In this article, we'll review everything you need to know about what causes high blood pressure when pregnant, the symptoms, and the different types. We'll also answer common questions about pregnancy and blood pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

High blood pressure is standard, but not every day. If not treated, it can become severe. It’s also a significant cause of premature death worldwide. 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 have hypertension worldwide. Reducing it by 33% by 2030 is a global target. High blood pressure means too high pressure in your blood vessels. It is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number represents the pressure in blood vessels on heart contraction, and the diastolic number shows the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

Blood pressure and pregnancy are related. High blood pressure during pregnancy is commonly referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational hypertension. Hypertension in pregnancy is also a common medical condition that complicates 5% to 10% of pregnancies. Hypertension is one of the leading reasons for maternal or perinatal mortality in India.

Is Hypertension or High BP during Pregnancy a Concern?

For pregnant women, the condition of hypertension is said to be predicted when a bp of 140/90 or even higher is recorded at least two times on two occasions at least four hours apart. Readings showing 160/110 or above are alarming and regarded as severe high blood pressure.

High blood pressure complications in pregnancy typically start from the second trimester and go back to normal after delivery. If ignored, high BP can create many complications for the mother and the baby. It may increase the risk of:

• Preeclampsia
• Preterm birth
• Placental abruption
• Cesarean birth
• Low birth weight
• Heart disorder
• Kidney disease

How Do You Know If You Have High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension during pregnancy can be managed when it's measured on time. Get your numbers gauged to know in which category your blood pressure falls out of 5.

• Normal: Blood pressure's normal range in pregnancy is less than 120/80.
• Elevated: It falls between 120-129/less than 80.
• Stage 1 High BP: It lies between 130-139/80-89
• Stage 2 High BP: At least 140/90.
• Hypertensive Crisis: More than 180/120.

Stage 2 High BP and Hypertensive crises become crucial and must be handled properly. You should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily, limit alcohol, engage in regular physical activity, and eat a heart-healthy diet with less salt.

What are the Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

The high BP in pregnancy is caused by different factors. It is important to diagnose different types and symptoms to get early treatment to avoid any complications.

• Chronic Hypertension: Chronic hypertension is when high blood pressure conditions are already prevailing before pregnancy or occur in the first trimester, i.e., before 20 weeks of being pregnant.
• Gestational Hypertension: Gestational hypertension is the condition of developing high blood pressure while pregnant. It starts in the second half, majorly after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Generally, it has no significant symptoms and returns to normal after childbirth. However, sometimes it leads to other complications like preeclampsia.
• Preeclampsia: The sudden blood pressure increase in the last trimester of pregnancy is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is often related to complications like organ malfunction, kidney or liver damage, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and so on. If left untreated, it can become severe and cause eclampsia.

Causes of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

The causes of blood pressure elevated during pregnancy are mentioned below. Take a look:

• Conceived through IVF
• Autoimmune diseases
• Obesity
• Smoking/alcohol
• First pregnancy
• Hereditary
• 35+ age
• Sedentary lifestyle

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: Who is at Risk?

While occurrences of blood pressure increase during pregnancy are threatening to everyone, few individuals are more likely to be exposed to the risks:

• Women with an already existing kidney condition or high blood pressure
• Women under 20 or over 40 years of age
• Women with a record of gestational hypertension
• Women expecting twins
• Individuals with a family history of hypertension during pregnancy

Why is High Blood Pressure a Problem during Pregnancy?

If you notice the level of your blood pressure high while pregnant, you may or may not experience pregnancy complications. However, it is undeniable that hypertension exposes both mother and baby to potential risks. However, maintaining pregnancy blood pressure is still highly important. Explained below are some examples:

• Risk of Organ Damage: Untreated or improper management of high blood pressure during pregnancy exposes the mother to the risk of organ damage. This is one of the major complications of high blood pressure in pregnancy. Hypertension increases the chances of kidney or lung damage.
• Risks in Delivery: Problems like blood clotting, seizures, etc., reduce the chances of expected delivery during high blood pressure. Thus, the chances of a C-section are heightened for pregnant women with hypertension.
• Premature Delivery: Women with hypertension are significantly at higher risk of giving preterm birth. Premature delivery itself can be a risky or, at times, life-threatening procedure.
• Stillbirth: Hypertension during pregnancy may obstruct the flow of food and oxygen to the placenta. This causes several complications for the baby, and fetal death or stillbirth is one of them.
• Low Birth Weight: The hindered food and oxygen supply may also affect the baby's weight. The inability to receive sufficient nutrients slows the baby's growth and exposes it to further risks of infections.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Hypertension or high blood pressure during pregnancy may not always have clear symptoms. However, there are certain signs attached to Preeclampsia:

• Severe headaches
• Distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Stomach ache
• Swelling in your feet, hands, etc.
• Breathing problems
• Blood in urine.

If these symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy do not occur, your doctor may help. They will measure your blood pressure to give you accurate results.

Can Hypertension or High BP be Prevented during Pregnancy?

The best way to prevent hypertension is to prevent the causes of high blood pressure in pregnancy. Here is how you do it:

• Aspirin or suitable medications to lower the risk of preeclampsia.
• Regular urine and blood pressure monitoring is needed to check that the condition doesn't get any worse.
• In case of severe or chronic hypertension, taking pregnancy-safe medications like nifedipine, labetalol, etc.

Note: Remember to keep in mind that any changes or additions to your routine should be administered only after consulting your doctor.

What are the Tips to Ensure Safe Delivery with High BP?

With blood pressure higher when pregnant, complications may arise. However, careful monitoring and a few steps can help you deliver safely. Here you go:

• Take medication on Time: Your blood pressure medication is essential to prevent complications and risks.
• Don't miss Your Prenatal Visits: They are essential to update you on your condition. These help keep a close eye on organ malfunctioning and more. This ensures you get an early diagnosis and treatment.
• Regular Monitoring: You may also regularly monitor your blood pressure at home. This can help you gauge the normal levels, and you can immediately rush to a doctor in case of emergencies.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Consuming a healthy and nutritional diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other essentials is vital to keep you strong and healthy. Also, you are advised to reduce your salt content.
• Trust Your Doctor: Your doctor may suggest some medications, a suitable diet and exercises. Trust your healthcare expert and follow their advice to ensure safe delivery and avoid pregnancy problems like high blood pressure, miscarriage, etc.

>>Read More: Know the Risks of Hypertension in Pregnant Women

When to see a Doctor?

Pregnancy and high blood pressure can be diagnosed and treated with careful management. However, certain situations or symptoms demand your immediate attention. Here are some alarming signs when to see a doctor immediately:

• In case of painful headaches that are consistent and not going away.
• Blurred vision.
• Severe swelling in your hands, arms, etc.
• Sudden increase in body weight.
• If blood pressure measurements are going over 140/90.

To Conclude

With the many mental and physical changes happening to the woman’s body, issues like high blood pressure can further affect the health of a pregnant woman. Stress is one of the reasons for hypertension during pregnancy; financial hardship might be a cause. Having insurance coverage is a smart solution to lighten your economic burden. With the right health insurance coverage, you can ensure that your doctor visits or treatments are not compromised because of financial constraints. Knowing that you have adequate coverage allows you to focus more on the pregnancy and the well-being of the baby rather than worrying about arranging funds.

You can also opt for a maternity health insurance policy if you plan to start a family soon. Investing in the policy at the right time can be very helpful in managing the pregnancy-related expenses.