High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can affect both the mother and the baby. It can cause complications such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, premature birth, low birth weight, and even death.
In this article, we will explain what causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and how to cope with it.
What is High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
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The systolic pressure is the pressure when your heart beats and the diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
High blood pressure during pregnancy is when your blood pressure is high for the first time after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
There are two types of high blood pressure during pregnancy:
- Chronic hypertension:
This is when you have high blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
It can be caused by genetic factors, lifestyle factors, or underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
- Gestational hypertension:
This is when you develop high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and have no other signs of complications.
It usually goes away after delivery. It can be caused by placental factors, maternal factors, or fatal factors.
High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
Some of these complications are:
1. Pre-eclampsia:
This is a condition that affects about 5% of pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
It can also cause swelling, headaches, vision problems, abdominal pain, and liver and kidney damage.
It can progress to eclampsia, which is a life-threatening condition that causes seizures and coma.
2. Placental abruption:
This is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery. It can cause heavy bleeding, severe pain, and fatal distress. It can also increase the risk of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.
3. Premature birth:
This is when the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. It can cause breathing problems, bleeding in the brain, infections, and developmental delays.
It can also increase the risk of death, disability, and chronic health problems.
3. Low birth weight:
This is when the baby weighs less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth. It can cause growth problems, learning difficulties, and increased susceptibility to infections and diseases.
It can also increase the risk of death, disability, and chronic health problems.
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
The best way to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy.
Some of the things you can do are:
1. Eat a balanced diet that is low in salt, fat, and sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and calcium. Avoid processed foods, junk foods, and fast foods. Drink plenty of water and limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
2. Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Choose activities that are safe and enjoyable for you and your baby, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or Pilates.
Avoid activities that are strenuous, risky, or involve high impact, such as running, jumping, or lifting heavy weights.
3. Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or massage.
Seek support from your partner, family, friends, or a professional counsellor if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Avoid situations that trigger your stress, such as conflicts, deadlines, or negative people.
4. Monitor your blood pressure regularly by using a home blood pressure monitor or visiting your health care provider. Keep a record of your readings and report any changes or concerns to your health care provider.
Follow your health care provider’s advice on medication, supplements, or other treatments that may help lower your blood pressure.
5. Get regular prenatal care by attending all your scheduled appointments and tests. Your health care provider will check your blood pressure, urine, weight, and other indicators of your health and your baby’s health.
Your health care provider will also screen you for signs of complications, such as pre-eclampsia, and provide you with the appropriate care and treatment.
How to Treat High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, your health care provider will recommend the best treatment for you and your baby, depending on the type, severity, and cause of your condition.
Some of the possible treatments are:
Medication:
Your health care provider may prescribe you medication to lower your blood pressure and prevent complications.
Some of the common medications used for high blood pressure during pregnancy are methyldopa, labetalol, nifedipine, and hydralazine. You should take your medication as directed and inform your health care provider of any side effects or reactions.
Bed rest:
Your health care provider may advise you to rest in bed for some or most of the time, especially if you have severe high blood pressure or signs of complications.
Bed rest can help lower your blood pressure and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby. You should follow your health care provider’s instructions on how much and how often to rest, and what activities to avoid or limit.
Delivery:
Your health care provider may decide to induce labour or perform a caesarean section (C-section) to deliver your baby early, especially if you have severe high blood pressure or signs of complications.
Delivery can help resolve your high blood pressure and prevent further harm to you and your baby. You should discuss the risks and benefits of early delivery with your health care provider and prepare yourself for the possible outcomes.
How to Cope with High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
Having high blood pressure during pregnancy can be stressful and challenging, but you can cope with it by taking good care of yourself and your baby. Some of the things you can do are:
1. Educate yourself about high blood pressure during pregnancy and its complications.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of your condition. Ask your health care provider any questions or concerns you may have and seek reliable sources of information, such as books, websites, or support groups.
2. Communicate with your partner, family, friends, or other support persons.
Share your feelings, fears, and hopes with them and let them know how they can help you. Accept their help and support and express your gratitude and appreciation.
Avoid isolating yourself or keeping your emotions bottled up.
3. Focus on the positive aspects of your pregnancy and your baby.
Celebrate your milestones, such as feeling your baby’s movements, hearing your baby’s heartbeat, or seeing your baby’s ultrasound. Imagine your baby’s appearance, personality, and future.
Plan for your baby’s arrival, such as choosing a name, decorating a nursery, or buying clothes and toys.
4. Seek professional help if you experience severe or persistent stress, anxiety, or depression.
These can affect your physical and mental health and your baby’s health. Your health care provider can refer you to a counsellor, therapist, or psychiatrist who can provide you with the appropriate care and treatment.
You may also benefit from medication, therapy, or counselling.
Conclusion.
High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can affect both the mother and the baby.
It can cause complications such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, premature birth, low birth weight, and even death.
However, with proper prevention, treatment, and coping strategies, you can manage your high blood pressure and have a healthy and happy pregnancy and delivery. Remember, you are not alone and you can do this. 💪
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