Gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, can have severe consequences for both mother and child. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to various complications, including placental abruption, premature labour, and even seizures
If you are planning a pregnancy and are concerned about your fertility (Image: Freepik)
New Delhi: Hypertension is the leading cause of multiple chronic diseases and deaths across the world, including heart attacks and strokes. Apart from this, a very vital health condition which is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in India is high blood rate or hypertension during pregnancy.
Gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, can have severe consequences for both mother and child. Dr Chethan T L, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Kinder Hospital told News9, “High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to various complications, including placental abruption, premature labour, and even seizures. ”
There are four types of high blood pressure during pregnancy: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that exists before pregnancy or before the 20th week of gestation. “Gestational hypertension is pregnancy-induced hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation without any organ damage or protein loss in the urine. Preeclampsia is hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation with protein loss in the urine and other organ issues, while eclampsia is preeclampsia plus seizures, which is a medical emergency,” added Dr TL.
High blood pressure can lead to complications in pregnancy
High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. According to Dr TL, “For the mother, these complications include placental abruption, early onset of labour, premature labour, preeclampsia with kidney issues, and even seizures and stroke. For the baby, complications include preterm delivery, low birth weight, and antenatal hypoxia, which can make it difficult for the baby to get enough oxygen and nutrients to grow.”
Symptoms of high BP in pregnancy
Symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy include headache, blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting, swelling of the face and hands, sudden weight gain, and trouble breathing. 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.
Maintaining a work-life balance during pregnancy and avoiding extra stressful conditions on the body is crucial to keep blood pressure under control. As Dr. Chethan T L emphasises, “It is very important to take control of hypertension during pregnancy to ensure a healthy outcome for both the mother and the baby.”
