Around 10-12% of pregnancies in India result in pre-eclampsia, the most severe type of pregnancy-related hypertension. Other, less severe types of hypertension are much more common. The condition of hypertension during pregnancy necessitates meticulous monitoring. Gestational hypertension is a unique type of hypertension that is distinguished by its manifestation during the latter stages of pregnancy and its remission after childbirth, thereby differentiating it from other forms of hypertension.
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, may not always exhibit overt symptoms, yet it may present a substantial hazard during gestation. Given the potential range of adverse outcomes linked to hypertension, it is crucial to acquire an in-depth understanding of its nature and preventive measures.
In This Article
- What Is Hypertension?
- What Are The Types Of Hypertension During Pregnancy?
- How Will Hypertension During Pregnnacy Impact My Baby?
- What Are The Risk Factors For Hypertension During Pregnancy?
- How Can I Control Pregnancy Hypertension?
- 5 Ways To Control High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Blood pressure, as you would all know, indicates how much pressure, blood exerts on the artery walls of when heartbeats. A higher blood pressure, even in a normal person, increases the risk of cardiac diseases and heart failure. It can also cause stroke and kidney problems.
For a pregnant woman, there is also an added risk due to the fetus inside.
What Are The Types Of High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy?
A pregnant woman can get three kinds of hypertension:
- Chronic hypertension is when you have high BP prior to pregnancy, or in the early days of pregnancy
- Gestational hypertension is when a pregnant woman develops high BP after the 20th week of pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia is the most severe form of hypertension that occurs after the 20th week and is evidenced by protein in the urine and high blood pressure. It can be caused by either chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension
How Will Hypertension During Pregnancy Impact My Baby?
High blood pressure might mean that the placenta is not getting enough blood, which in turn would mean your baby is not getting enough food and oxygen. This can result in slow growth of the baby, or the baby can be born with a low birth weight. Placental abruption is another problem that can surface due to pre-eclampsia. Sometimes, premature delivery is the only solution to prevent life-threatening complications to both the mother and the baby.
Most women with hypertension during pregnancy still go ahead and deliver healthy babies, provided the hypertension was detected and treated early. However, in the case of Pre-eclampsia, there are more serious complications – loss of life being the most severe one – for both mom and the baby. Pre-eclampsia also puts you at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases that can be detrimental to your health. The risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems associated with high blood pressure doesn’t go away during pregnancy.
What Are The Risk Factors For Hypertension During Pregnancy?
Women with the following characteristics are at a higher risk of having hypertension during pregnancy:
- Too old or too young (if the age is less than 20 or more than 40)
- Overweight or obese
- Family history of hypertension
- Chronic diseases like diabetics
- High BP even before pregnancy
- Hypertension during previous pregnancies
- First-time moms
- Having multiples
Whether you have these risk factors or not, ensure you monitor your BP continuously throughout your pregnancy. If you have these risk factors, we would recommend you to invest in a home BP monitor to avoid going to your clinic often.
How Can I Control Hypertension During Pregnancy?
While there are no sure-shot ways to prevent hypertension, there are ways to reduce/avoid some of the contributing factors to it. Smoking is a huge no, and one should stick to a healthy diet to maintain an ideal weight. Some medicines may be prescribed to control high blood pressure during pregnancy, but the risks still stay. It is imperative to make healthy lifestyle choices and stick to what your doctor advises.
5 Ways To Control High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Various methods are employed by healthcare providers to manage hypertension in pregnant women. The course of treatment is contingent upon the gravity of the ailment, one’s holistic well-being, and the gestational stage. It is noteworthy that individuals with hypertension typically do not experience significant complications during pregnancy and childbirth, provided that their blood pressure is effectively regulated. There exist measures that can be taken to enhance the likelihood of a secure and sound delivery for women with gestational hypertension.
1. Eat Right
Ensure you eat right, preferably from the time you decide to conceive. Experts say that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise. Get the 80% right. Include fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich food in your diet. Drink at least 3 liters of water every day. Reduce the caffeine intake (coffee, aerated drinks like Cola)
2. Exercise Well
Even a small amount of weight loss can have a miraculous impact on your BP. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Read this article to understand how to remain active during pregnancy. Maintaining a desirable weight can help in a big way to prevent and treat high blood pressure during pregnancy
3. Say No To Salt
If you reduce your salt intake, you will notice that your BP falls. Reduced salt intake will also prevent the BP from rising. You can also try some special salts that are specially manufactured for people with high blood pressure. However, make sure your doctor agrees to the same
4. Stay Away From Bad Habits
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as much as possible. While tobacco and alcohol are known to increase BP, they are no friends of the fetus either. So stay away from them during your pregnancy period.
5. Reduce Stress
If you are stressed, your BP goes up. And pregnancy can be a stressful time. Try to get as much rest as possible to ensure that you are not physically stressed. Try meditation and Yoga to reduce stress, strengthen your body and mind and calm your nerves. Maintain a good routine in life – eat on time, exercise on time, take medications on time and sleep on time – all these will ensure there are less uncertainties in your life and consequently, more peace and calm.
Hope you have a happy and safe pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Is BP 140 90 Normal During Pregnancy?
Blood pressure readings falling within the range of 140/90 to 149/99mmHg are classified as mild and typically do not require intervention, although regular monitoring may be advisable.
2. Can Walking Lower Hypertension During Pregnancy?
Regular physical activity has been found to lower blood pressure to safer levels in individuals with hypertension. Indeed. Engaging in regular walking has been found to have a potentially positive impact on reducing blood pressure levels in pregnant women.
3. Which Fruit Reduce Hypertension During Pregnancy?
Berries. Anthocyanins are antioxidant compounds that are abundant in strawberries and blueberries. Anthocyanins have been associated with a decrease in blood pressure among individuals with hypertension, according to research findings. Kiwis are also good to maintain blood pressure.
