When you learn you’re pregnant, you’ll put in a lot of effort into prenatal care to ensure that you and your kid are both happy and healthy. However, there is one common risk factor that you should keep an eye out for throughout pregnancy: hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause health concerns at any stage in your life. One of the most prevalent issues during pregnancy is hypertension disorders (HDP). Around 10% of all pregnant women are affected by HDP, which can have varying degrees of severity.
Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia are all examples of HDP. Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that develops before or throughout pregnancy, whereas gestational hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Severe hypertension can result from these diseases, putting you at risk for more serious problems.
Preeclampsia, a highly significant high blood pressure illness, is increased by chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and severe hypertension. Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is linked to organ damage in the kidneys, liver, blood, and brain.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious or fatal complications for the mother and the baby, including preterm delivery or eclampsia. Eclampsia is a medical emergency when a woman develops seizures during or shortly after pregnancy.
Preeclampsia prevention involves identifying risk and seeking treatment early. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia, call your OB-GYN right away. Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
• Swelling of the face or hands
• A persistent headache
• Changes or blurriness in eyesight
• Pain in the upper abdomen or shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting during the second half of pregnancy
• Sudden weight gain
• Difficulty breathing
Women who have experienced HDP, particularly preeclampsia, are more likely to have cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure later in life. Making lifestyle modifications can lower your chances of developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease later on.
You can reduce your risk by making the following lifestyle changes:
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Limit alcohol intake
• Exercise regularly
• Cut back on salt and have a healthier diet
• Relieve Stress
Some people may require more than just a change in their lifestyle. Consult your doctor to see whether you should take medication to control your blood pressure.
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