Gestational hypertension

Gestational hypertension, also called pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension can lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia, also known as toxemia. Arterial hypertension during pregnancy affects approximately 6-8% of pregnant women.

Different types of hypertension during pregnancy:

High blood pressure can present in different ways during pregnancy.

Here are 3 common types of gestational hypertension:

Chronic hypertension. Women who had high blood pressure (greater than 140/90) before pregnancy, early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks) or who have it after childbirth.
Gestational hypertension. High blood pressure that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and disappears after childbirth.
Preeclampsia. Chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension can lead to this serious condition after the 20th week of pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This can lead to serious complications for both mother and child if treatment is not started on time.

Who is at risk?

The following women may have an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension:

First-time moms
Women whose sisters and mothers had pregnancy-induced hypertension
Women carrying multiples
Women younger than age 20 or older than age 40
Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy

How do I know if I have gestational hypertension?

At each prenatal visit, your health care provider will check your blood pressure and urine levels. Your doctor may also check your kidneys and blood clotting function, order blood tests, perform an ultrasound to check your baby's growth, and use a Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on how close your due date is. If you are nearing your due date and your baby is well developed, your healthcare provider may want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.

If you have moderate high blood pressure and your baby is not yet fully developed, your doctor will likely recommend the following:

Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
Increase prenatal checkups.
Consume less salt.
Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

If you have severe high blood pressure, your doctor may try to treat you with high blood pressure medication until you are mature enough to give birth safely.

How will this affect my child?

High blood pressure can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can lead to low birth weight. Most women can still give birth to a healthy baby if hypertension is detected and treated early.

If you have severe high blood pressure, it can lead to preeclampsia, which can have much more serious consequences for mother and baby.

How can I prevent gestational hypertension

Currently, there is no reliable way to prevent hypertension. Some factors that contribute to high blood pressure can be controlled, while others cannot. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and exercise. Here are some ways to prevent gestational hypertension:

Use salt as needed for taste.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Increase the amount of protein you take in, and decrease the number of fried foods and junk food you eat.
Get enough rest.
Exercise regularly.
Elevate your feet several times during the day.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid beverages containing caffeine.