Exclusive: Doctor Shares How To Control Hypertension During Pregnancy, Risks That Must Be Aware Of

Add as a preferred source on Google

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring about various health challenges. One such challenge is hypertension, which affects around 10% of pregnancies worldwide.

If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Understanding how to control hypertension during pregnancy is essential for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can pose significant risks during pregnancy. Managing hypertension is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

In an interview with Boldsky, Dr Chethan T L, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Kinder Hospital shares how Gestational hypertension or high blood pressure during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both mother and child and how to manage it.

What Is Hypertension During Pregnancy?

High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as hypertension, is a condition that can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby. It is essential to understand the types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy, the potential complications, and the strategies for managing this condition to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

'High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to various complications, including placental abruption, premature labor, and even seizures,'says Dr Chethan T L.

Hypertension during pregnancy is classified into several categories:

1. Chronic Hypertension: High blood pressure that is present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation.

2. Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy without signs of preeclampsia.

3. Preeclampsia: A serious condition that typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys.

4. Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia: Occurs when a woman with chronic hypertension develops preeclampsia.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Symptoms

While high blood pressure itself might not cause noticeable symptoms, preeclampsia can present with several signs, including:

• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision (blurriness, light sensitivity, or loss of vision)
• Upper abdominal pain, often under the ribs on the right side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, or face

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Risks And Complications

Dr Chethan T L says, women who are at risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy include those who are experiencing their first pregnancy, had high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy, have chronic hypertension or chronic kidney disease, are carrying multiple babies, have a family history of high blood pressure during pregnancy, are obese, have diabetes, or are over 40 years old.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to various complications for both the mother and the baby. Here's what you need to know.

For the Mother:

Preeclampsia: Can progress to eclampsia, characterized by seizures, and HELLP syndrome, a serious liver disorder.
Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which can cause severe bleeding and pose risks to both mother and baby.
Stroke: Increased risk due to elevated blood pressure levels.
Organ Damage: Particularly to the liver and kidneys, resulting in long-term health issues.

For the Baby:

Preterm Birth: High blood pressure can lead to early delivery, which can cause complications for the baby's health and development.
Low Birth Weight: Reduced blood flow to the placenta can result in the baby not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen, affecting growth.
Stillbirth: In severe cases, high blood pressure can lead to fetal death.

How To Manage High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

To manage high blood pressure during pregnancy, Dr. Chethan T L advises women to plan appropriately for pregnancy, get their blood pressure under control before conceiving, maintain a healthy weight, and keep track of their blood pressure with a home monitor. Regular prenatal care, medication, and healthy food habits are also crucial.

Working women who are active in their lifestyle can benefit from their good active lifestyle in managing hypertension during pregnancy, but stressful conditions at work can impact hypertension management and blood pressure. Women who are obese and do not have an active lifestyle will have difficulty managing their hypertension during pregnancy, and it is very important to maintain an active lifestyle.

Maintaining a work-life balance during pregnancy and avoiding extra stressful conditions on the body is crucial to keep blood pressure under control. Women who have habits like smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy should completely avoid these practices, as they can substantially increase blood pressure and impact the health of both the baby and the pregnant woman.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.