High Blood Pressure
During Pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy can be troublesome for some women. Those who have high blood pressure have too much pressure pushing against the walls of their arteries. Blood pressure is the measure of this pressure.

The more strain placed on the arteries, the worse off the condition could be. However, when blood pressure develops around 20 weeks in pregnancy or afterward, this could be an indication of a condition called preeclampsia.

Women who have high blood pressure prior to pregnancy are likely to maintain that high blood pressure throughout.

Further, high blood pressure may develop during pregnancy in women who have not had it in the past.

In either case, doctors will monitor your condition much more closely if you do have elevated blood pressure. There is no way to know if you will develop complications, but by monitoring your condition, doctors can be proactive sooner.

In most women, blood pressure drops in the second trimester. It will then rise to normal levels at the end of the pregnancy. However, when blood pressure rises in the second or third trimester, especially to significantly elevated levels, this can lead to preeclampsia.

The problem will go away after the baby is born in many women. When your blood pressure is too high, the child is unable to get enough oxygen and blood during the pregnancy, which can limit growth and development.

Understanding Preeclampsia

If you have high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks, you may have preeclampsia. Doctors also look for protein in your urine as a warning sign of this condition.

Eclampsia could develop and can be deadly for both the mother and the baby. It can limit the baby's supply of oxygen and can cause the mother's kidneys, liver and brain to be harmed. Some women develop seizures in severe causes.

Curing Your Condition

Although doctors are likely to prescribe medications to help control high blood pressure during pregnancy, there is no cure for the condition. In effect, the only way to get rid of it is to deliver your baby. However, doctors will monitor your condition for any developments or complications that may develop.

In general, it is possible for your doctor to control your blood pressure to maintain a low number therefore reducing your risks. High blood pressure during pregnancy is a risk factor that many women have and do not realize it until it develops.

Return to "What Is High Blood Pressure" from "High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy"

Pregnancy And High Blood Pressure Experience

Are you pregnant and were diagnosed with high blood pressure, or, has since had your baby and would like to tell us your story on your pregnancy and high blood pressure?

Do you have a great story about this? Share it! It might help other women during their pregnancy.

New! Comments