Hypertension in pregnancy is a common complication. It ranges from mild high blood pressure to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding its types, risks, and management is crucial for both mother and baby.
What is it?
Doctors define hypertension as 140/90 mmHg or higher. During pregnancy, it appears in several forms:
- Chronic Hypertension: High blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks. It may persist after childbirth.
- Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure after 20 weeks without protein in the urine. It often resolves after birth but increases future risk.
- Preeclampsia: High blood pressure with protein in the urine and organ damage. It appears after 20 weeks and can threaten both mother and baby.
- Eclampsia: A severe condition from preeclampsia. It causes seizures and requires emergency care.
The Risks of Hypertension in Pregnancy
When left uncontrolled, hypertension during pregnancy can lead to several complications for both mother and baby:
Risks for the Pregnant Person:
- Preeclampsia can lead to organ damage, including kidney and liver failure, and may increase the risk of stroke.
- Placental Abruption: High blood pressure can cause the placenta to separate prematurely from the uterus, which can lead to heavy bleeding and premature delivery.
- Severe Headaches or Vision Problems: Elevated blood pressure can affect the brain and the eyes, causing severe headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
- Stroke and Heart Failure: Chronic or untreated hypertension during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.
Risks for the Baby:
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Poor placental blood flow due to high blood pressure can limit the oxygen and nutrients reaching the fetus, leading to slow growth or developmental delays.
- Preterm Birth: Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders can trigger preterm labor, increasing the risk of premature birth.
- Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers with high blood pressure may be at greater risk of being underweight, which can lead to other complications in the newborn.
- Stillbirth: In severe cases, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to fetal death, although this is rare with proper management.
