Hypertension in pregnancy is an unfortunate complication that is a culprit for putting the lives of both mother and the baby in danger.
Why is it important to know?
Studies conducted in different countries concluded that three fourth of the women coming for antenatal checkups didn’t know about the challenges associated with hypertension in pregnancy.
We believe spreading awareness to the mommies-to-be is the key to dealing with such conditions. We are especially focusing on primigravida, women with no formal education and housewives.
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
It is an umbrella term that includes preexisting hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), Preeclampsia, and Eclampsia. It complicates up to 10% of pregnancies and represents a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Types of hypertensions in pregnancy
There are two major types, one which is present in a woman before pregnancy and the other which happens only because of pregnancy.
- Pre-existing Hypertension
We call it pre-existing hypertension. If,
- A woman has hypertension earlier in her life and continues after getting pregnant.
- Hypertension develops in the first 20 weeks of gestation.
- Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
If a woman develops hypertension only after 20 weeks of gestation, it is then characterized as Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). It complicates 6–10% of pregnancies. It is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg.
The risks associated with hypertension in pregnancy
Women with PIH are at a greater risk of developing preeclampsia which can complicate to eclampsia, abruptio placentae, cerebrovascular events, and even organ damage.
Any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy can result in preeclampsia. It occurs in up to 35% of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and up to 25% of those with preexisting hypertension.
Unborn babies of these mothers are at a greater risk of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, and even intrauterine death.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is referred to as a “silent killer” because it rarely causes symptoms. Only when the symptoms are occurring, they are as follows:
- Tiredness
- Moderate to severe headache
- Nosebleed
- Blurry vision
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pounding in your chest or neck
- Buzzing in ears
- Swelling of face and hands
Are antihypertensive medications safe in pregnancy?
Yes, a few antihypertensives are safe to use in pregnancy. Some have mild side effects like nausea, but your doctor would prescribe it only when the benefit will outweigh the risk. You need to follow the exact dose of your prescription and keep getting your blood pressure checked.
An insight from mamahood
As you now know, high blood pressure is primarily silent, and your body keeps adjusting to the new high pressure of blood until it causes considerable damage. There are three simple strategies to remain safe during pregnancy. One is to be consistent with your antenatal checkups, especially after 20 weeks, because that’s when pregnancy-induced hypertension is evident. You are a bit safer with every antenatal checkup because your vitals are being monitored.
Secondly, you should be vigilant about any of the symptoms mentioned above and should never ignore them. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you develop a doubt regarding any of the above symptoms, it’s better to check your blood pressure.
Lastly, if you have preexisting or pregnancy-induced hypertension, in both cases, you will be prescribed some medication that should be taken timely. It’s advisable to have a handy blood pressure measuring device at home to ensure your medication is working fine on you.
