High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy: 8 Things You Need to Know

After a year of trying to start a family, Meera and Mukesh were overjoyed to share the news of their pregnancy. Their excitement was palpable as the whole family celebrated the good news. The first few weeks of her pregnancy went smoothly, but between the 20th and 22nd week, Meera began experiencing headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. Concerned, the parents-to-be reached out to their gynaecologist, who diagnosed Meera with high blood pressure.

While high blood pressure during pregnancy is not uncommon, it can pose significant risks for both mother and baby. Hence proper treatment is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms and types of high blood pressure when pregnant, along with 9 important questions related to pregnancy and BP. Stay tuned!

Is Hypertension or High BP during Pregnancy a Concern?

The issue of high BP means the same, regardless of the person’s condition. However, it can be a little more serious when an expectant woman has high BP. For pregnant women, the condition of hypertension is said to be predicted when a bp of 140/90 or even higher is recorded at least two times on two occasions1. Readings showing 160/110 or above are alarming and regarded as severe high blood pressure.

Hypertension is one of the leading reasons for maternal or perinatal mortality in India. High blood pressure during pregnancy is commonly referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational hypertension.

Here, the high blood pressure complications in pregnancy typically start from the second trimester and go back to normal after delivery. This makes it different from other high blood pressure fluctuations. If ignored, high BP can create many complications for the mother and the baby.

What are the Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

The high blood pressure during pregnancy is caused by different factors. These different causes lead to different symptoms and types of hypertension during pregnancy. It is important to diagnose these and get early treatment to avoid any complications.

Chronic Hypertension

Chronic hypertension is when high blood pressure conditions are already prevailing before pregnancy or occur in the first trimester, i.e., before 20 weeks of being pregnant.

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension is the condition of developing high blood pressure while pregnant. It starts in the second half, majorly after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Generally, it has no major symptoms and goes back to normal after childbirth. However, sometimes it leads to other complications like preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia

The sudden blood pressure increase in the last trimester of pregnancy is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is often related to complications like organ malfunction, kidney or liver damage, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and so on. If left untreated, it can become severe and cause eclampsia.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: Who are at Risk?

While occurrences of blood pressure increase during pregnancy are threatening to everyone, few individuals are more likely to be exposed to the risks.

• Women with an already existing kidney condition or high blood pressure
• Women under 20 or over 40 years of age
• Women with a record of gestational hypertension
• Women expecting twins
• Individuals with a family history of hypertension during pregnancy

Why is High Blood Pressure a Problem during Pregnancy?

If you notice the level of your blood pressure high while pregnant, you may or may not experience pregnancy complications. However, it is undeniable that hypertension exposes both mother and baby to potential risks. Explained below are some examples:

Risk of Organ Damage

Untreated or improper management of high blood pressure during pregnancy exposes the mother to the risk of organ damage. This is one of the major complications of high blood pressure in pregnancy. Hypertension increases the chances of kidney or lung damage.

Risks in Delivery

Problems like blood clotting, seizures, etc. reduce the chances of normal delivery during high blood pressure. Thus, the chances of a C-section are heightened for pregnant women with hypertension.

Premature Delivery

Women with hypertension are significantly at higher risk of giving preterm birth. Premature delivery itself can be a risky or at times life-threatening procedure.

Stillbirth

Hypertension during pregnancy may obstruct the flow of food and oxygen to the placenta. This causes several complications for the baby, and fetal death or stillbirth is one of them.

Low Birth Weight

The hindered food and oxygen supply may take a toll on the baby's weight too. The inability to receive sufficient nutrients slows the baby's growth and exposes them to further risks of infections.

What are the Signs of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

Hypertension or high blood pressure during pregnancy may not always have clear symptoms. However, there are certain signs attached to Preeclampsia:

• Severe headaches
• Distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Stomach ache
• Swelling in your feet, hands, etc.
• Breathing problems
• Blood in urine.

In case of absence of these symptoms for high blood pressure during pregnancy, your doctor may help. They measure your blood pressure to give you accurate results.

Can Hypertension or High BP be Prevented during Pregnancy?

The best way to prevent hypertension is to prevent the causes of high blood pressure in pregnancy. Here is how you do it:

• Aspirin or suitable medications to lower the risk of preeclampsia.
• Regular urine and blood pressure monitoring to check the condition doesn't get any worse.
• In case of severe or chronic hypertension, taking pregnancy-safe medications like nifedipine, labetalol, etc.

Note: Keep in mind that any changes/ additions to your routine should be administered only after consulting your doctor.

What’re the Tips to Ensure Safe Delivery with High BP?

With blood pressure higher when pregnant, complications may arise. However, careful monitoring and a few steps can help you have a safe delivery. Here you go:

• Take medication on Time: Your blood pressure medication is important to prevent any complications and risks.
• Don't miss Your Prenatal Visits: They are important to keep you updated on your condition. These help keep a close eye on any kind of organ malfunctioning and more. This ensures you get an early diagnosis and treatment.
• Regular Monitoring: You may also regularly monitor your blood pressure at home. This can help you gauge the normal levels and you can immediately rush to a doctor in case of emergencies.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Consuming a healthy and nutritional diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other essentials is important to keep you strong and healthy. Also, you are advised to reduce your salt content.
• Trust Your Doctor: Your doctor may suggest some medications, suitable diet and exercises. Trust your healthcare expert and follow their advice to ensure safe delivery and avoid pregnancy problems like high blood pressure, miscarriage, etc.

>> Also Read: Know the Risks of Hypertension in Pregnant Women

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider?

Pregnancy and high blood pressure can be diagnosed and treated with careful management. However, certain situations or symptoms demand your immediate attention. Here are some alarming signs when to see a doctor immediately.

• In case of painful headaches that are consistent and not going away.
• Blurred vision.
• Severe swelling in your hands, arms, etc.
• Sudden increase in body weight.
• If blood pressure measurements are going over 140/90.

To Conclude

Pregnancy is a special time for the parents-to-be. The phase begins with lots of planning . From the baby’s name to choosing the right school, from preparing the baby’s nursery to thinking about their careers, from the joys of parenting to fear of the unknown, pregnancy brings a rush of emotions.

Furthermore, with the many mental and physical changes happening to the woman’s body, issues like high blood pressure can further affect a woman’s health. In such a scenario, self-monitoring and regular visits to the doctor are essential. With the right health insurance coverage, you can ensure that your doctor visits or treatments are not compromised because of financial constraints. While there are health insurance plans for BP patients, you can also opt for a maternity health insurance policy if you plan to start a family soon.

Care Joy by Care Health Insurance is a plan designed to suit all the healthcare needs of mums-to-be. Investing in the policy at the right time can be very helpful in managing the pregnancy related expenses. Knowing that you have adequate coverage allows you to focus more on the pregnancy and the well-being of the baby, rather than worrying about arranging funds.

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.