Hypertention in pregnancy.

 

Hypertension during pregnancy, often referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or gestational hypertension, is a condition where a woman develops high blood pressure during pregnancy.

 It can be mild or severe and may affect both the mother and the baby if not managed properly.

There are a few different types of hypertension related to pregnancy:

1. Gestational Hypertension (Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension)

• What it is: High blood pressure that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy in a woman who didn’t have high blood pressure before pregnancy.

 

• Symptoms: Often no symptoms, but can include swelling, headaches, and vision changes.

 

• Risks: It can lead to preeclampsia, which is a more serious condition affecting both the mother and baby.

 

2. Preeclampsia

• What it is: A more severe form of high blood pressure during pregnancy, often accompanied by protein in the urine and sometimes swelling.

 

• Symptoms: Swelling of the face or hands, severe headaches, visual disturbances, sudden weight gain, and abdominal pain.

 

 

• Risks: If untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious complications for both the mother and baby, including organ damage and premature birth.

 

3. Chronic Hypertension

 

• What it is: High blood pressure that existed before pregnancy or that is diagnosed before the 20th week of pregnancy.

 

• Risks: Women with chronic hypertension may also develop preeclampsia during pregnancy. It may increase the risk of placental problems, low birth weight, or preterm birth.

 

4. Eclampsia

 

• What it is: This is a severe complication of preeclampsia where high blood pressure causes seizures.

 

• Risks: Eclampsia is life-threatening for both the mother and the baby and requires immediate medical attention.

 

Risk Factors for Hypertension During Pregnancy:

• Being overweight or obese

 

• Having a history of hypertension or preeclampsia in previous pregnancies

 

• Having a first pregnancy

 

• Carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.)

 

• Being over the age of 35

 

• Having certain conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

 

Management and Treatment:

• Monitoring: Frequent check-ups with blood pressure checks and urine tests.

 

• Lifestyle Changes: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and reducing salt intake can help. Physical activity, as recommended by a doctor, may also help.

 

• Medications: If blood pressure remains high, doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications safe for pregnancy.

 

• Hospitalization: In severe cases or if preeclampsia is suspected, the mother may be hospitalized for monitoring.

 

• Delivery: In severe cases of preeclampsia or eclampsia, early delivery may be necessary to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.

 

When to Seek Help:

• Severe headache that doesn’t go away

 

• Sudden swelling in the face or hands

 

• Vision changes (blurred or spots)

 

• Abdominal pain or nausea

 

• Sudden weight gain

 

• Decreased fetal movement