High blood pressure is considered one of the most common health problems that women may face during pregnancy, and it needs careful follow-up because it may affect the health of the mother and the fetus together. This increase happens when the force of pumping blood inside the blood vessels increases beyond the normal rate, causing stress on the heart, kidneys, and placenta.
Sometimes the increase is simple and temporary, while in other cases it may turn into a condition known as preeclampsia, which is a serious condition that requires rapid medical intervention. Understanding the causes and early signs is a fundamental step for prevention and avoiding complications.
What is high blood pressure during pregnancy?
It is an increase in blood pressure beyond the normal rate and is classified into several types:
- Gestational high blood pressure: Appears after week 20 of pregnancy and disappears after birth.
- Chronic high blood pressure: Exists before pregnancy or before week 20.
- Which is high blood pressure with the presence of protein in the urine or general swelling in the body.
Potential causes of high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Genetic factors: A family history of high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
- Increased weight or obesity before pregnancy.
- Lack of physical activity and weak cardiac fitness.
- First pregnancy where the body is not accustomed to hormonal changes.
- Twin pregnancy which increases pressure on the circulatory system and placenta.
- Advanced age of the pregnant woman (more than 35 years).
Symptoms that require concern
Attention must be paid when the following symptoms appear:
- Severe and persistent headache that does not go away with rest.
- Swelling in the hands or face.
- Blurriness in the eyes or weakness in vision.
- Pain in the upper abdomen or persistent nausea.
- Sudden increase in weight during a short period.
Complications of high blood pressure during pregnancy
High blood pressure in pregnancy leads to the following:
- Decreased blood flow to the placenta, which may lead to weak growth of the fetus.
- Premature birth or low weight of the child at birth.
- Preeclampsia or early separation of the placenta.
- The mother developing kidney failure or liver dysfunction.
- Increased risk of developing chronic high blood pressure after birth.
How to diagnose the condition
The doctor diagnoses the condition based on:
- Periodic blood pressure measurement in every pregnancy visit.
- Urine analysis to detect the presence of protein.
- Blood tests to evaluate liver and kidney functions.
- Monitoring fetal growth with ultrasound to determine the effect of high pressure.
Methods for preventing high blood pressure during pregnancy
The following advice must be followed to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy:
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in salt.
- Regular follow-up with the doctor to monitor blood pressure and urine.
- Sufficient rest and avoiding nervous stress.
- Controlling weight before and during pregnancy.
- Practicing light exercise like walking or yoga for pregnant women after consulting a doctor.
Methods of treatment and follow-up
The following methods must be followed to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy:
- In simple cases, the doctor recommends modifying lifestyle, reducing effort, and reducing salt.
- In moderate or severe cases, safe blood pressure-lowering medications are used during pregnancy, like Methyldopa or Labetalol.
- Regular follow-up of the fetus's condition with ultrasound.
- In critical cases or when preeclampsia appears, the doctor may decide on a premature birth to protect the mother and child.
Important tips for a pregnant woman with high blood pressure
Some tips that reduce the troubles of high blood pressure for a pregnant woman:
- Strict commitment to medication doses and medical follow-up.
- Avoiding canned and salted foods.
- Sleeping in a side position to improve blood flow to the placenta.
- Drinking sufficient quantities of water daily.
- Monitoring symptoms carefully and reporting any sudden change to the doctor.
Article Summary
High blood pressure during pregnancy is a condition that deserves attention and care, but it is not always serious if detected early. Commitment to medical follow-up and modifying lifestyle contribute to protecting the mother and fetus from complications.
Balanced nutrition and psychological and physical rest are fundamental factors in controlling the condition. In most cases, blood pressure returns to its normal level after birth, but it is important for the woman to remain under follow-up to ensure her safety and the stability of her general health.