Hypertension Pregnancy

Around 5-10% of women experience hypertension during pregnancy, making it one of the most common pregnancy-related medical concerns. At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates in Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia, the expert team provides comprehensive care for pregnancy hypertension. They monitor your blood pressure and work closely with you to manage any complications. Monitoring your health ensures the best outcomes for you and your baby. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.      

What are the dangers of hypertension in pregnancy?

Hypertension is when your blood pressure — the force of blood against your artery walls — is too high. While this can be a problem for anybody, it’s especially dangerous during pregnancy. Hypertension during or after pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including:

• Placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus)
• Fetal growth restriction
• Premature birth
• Fetal distress
• Stroke

Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy hypertension. This condition can cause liver and kidney damage. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening to you and your baby.

Why does hypertension happen in pregnancy?

The Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team may diagnose pregnancy hypertension if your blood pressure reading is at least 140/90 on two occasions or more. It’s usually diagnosed after 20 weeks. 

While any pregnant woman can develop hypertension, certain factors can increase your risk, including the following:

• Hypertension before pregnancy
• Excess weight
• Multifetal pregnancy
• High cholesterol
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Older age (over 35)

Pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia can still occur if you have no risk factors, so it's important to attend regular prenatal check-ups. 

Many women don’t experience symptoms. However, you should contact the team if you have headaches, swollen feet, ankles, or hands, trouble breathing, or blurred vision.

How do doctors treat hypertension in pregnancy?

Treating hypertension is a joint effort between you and the team. The strategies your care team recommends depend on your condition’s severity. Effective treatments for pregnancy hypertension include:

• Monitoring blood pressure regularly
• Making lifestyle changes, such as adjusting diet and increasing physical activity
• Taking prescribed medications that are safe during pregnancy
• Resting and managing stress
• Attending more frequent prenatal visits for close monitoring
• Keeping track of fetal growth and heart rate with regular check-ups
• Hospitalization in severe cases for close supervision
• Planning for early delivery if needed for safety reasons

You can manage your blood pressure and enjoy a healthy pregnancy with proper care.

Can hypertension in pregnancy resolve on its own?

Gestational hypertension usually resolves within 12 weeks after you give birth. However, it can increase your risk of developing chronic hypertension in the future. 

Hypertension in pregnancy is dangerous without proper care. Call Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates today or schedule an appointment online to help you and your baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy.