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Resource Centre
Pregnancy Health Issue: High Blood Pressure
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One of the most common health issues women face during pregnancy is hypertension or high blood pressure. This blood pressure relates to the motion of pushing the blood through the arteries until the pressure becomes higher than normal. Not all pregnant women gravely experience hypertension, but such health situation affect expectant mums in varying levels.
Having hypertension affects pre-pregnancy and the actual stage itself. Various types of hypertension pose risks to the expectant mum and the baby, but these risks can be handled with proper care. Every meeting with your doctor, your blood pressure will be checked and tested.
Some women begin having hypertension even before they get pregnant while others first experience such condition during pregnancy. For some women, hypertension may be caused by the chemicals produced by the placenta triggering the tightening of the blood vessels. But the most common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, headaches, and problems in vision (blurred, light sensitiveness, etc.). Such instances can range from mild to severe conditions.
The three main forms of high blood pressure are as follows:
1. Gestational Hypertension
This does not directly affect you or your offspring during the pregnancy stage, but the effects may develop later in life. It progresses after the 20th week and diminishes after giving birth. If not taken care of right away, some women may develop preeclampsia which is another form of high blood pressure.
2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia poses danger for both mother and baby when not treated immediately. This happens because of the high blood pressure, presence of protein in the urine, and sudden blood changes. Preeclampsia occurs during the 20th week of pregnancy. Negative effects on the baby’s end may include small birth weight, gradual growth, and even premature delivery.
3. Chronic Hypertension
Chronic Hypertension can be diagnosed even before pregnancy while some women can experience such condition before the 20th week. Like Preeclampsia, Chronic hypertension can cause slow growth for your baby because of the minimum oxygen and nutrients supplied in your body. You may take medication for such high blood pressure condition (especially if you have been taking a trusted medicine even during your early pregnancy stage), but be certain that this is approved by your doctor.
To lessen the chances of increased high blood pressure, always have a regular checkup with your doctor. If left untreated, some cases may result to severe, incurable cases and can even be fatal. You should apply the basic remedies which include total bed rest, proper diet, and exercise. If you are having a difficult pregnancy, it’s advisable that you admit to a hospital so any changes on your blood pressure can be monitored from time to time.
Your blood pressure may increase at this moment, but it will return to its normal state after giving birth. In case hypertension worsens after pregnancy, there’s a need for strict observation – both for the mother and child.
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