High blood pressure and pregnancy: Know the facts Show
High blood pressure during pregnancy carries potential risks. Here’s what you need to know and how to take care of yourself and your baby. By Mayo Clinic StaffHaving high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy needs close monitoring. Here's what to know about the potential risks. Also learn how to take care of yourself and your baby. What are the types of high blood pressure during pregnancy?Sometimes high blood pressure begins before pregnancy. In other cases, the condition develops during pregnancy.
Untreated preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for mother and baby. Complications may include eclampsia, in which seizures develop. Previously, preeclampsia was diagnosed only when both high blood pressure and protein in the urine were present. Experts now know that it's possible to have preeclampsia without having protein in the urine. Why is high blood pressure a problem during pregnancy?High blood pressure during pregnancy poses the following risks:
How will I know if I develop high blood pressure during pregnancy?Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of prenatal care. If you have chronic hypertension, your health care provider will consider these categories for blood pressure measurements:
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, blood pressure that's higher than 140/90 mm Hg without any other organ damage is considered to be gestational hypertension. Blood pressure needs to be taken and documented on two or more occasions, at least four hours apart. How will I know if I develop preeclampsia?In addition to high blood pressure, other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:
Sudden weight gain and swelling — particularly in the face and hands — often occurs with preeclampsia. The swelling associated with preeclampsia is more severe than the typical swelling that happens during pregnancy. Is it safe to take blood pressure medication during pregnancy?Some blood pressure medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and renin inhibitors need to be avoided during pregnancy. Treatment is important. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and other major complications. And high blood pressure can be dangerous for your baby. If you need medication to control your blood pressure during pregnancy, your health care provider will prescribe the safest medication and dose. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't stop taking it or change the dose on your own. Low-dose daily aspirin often is recommended to lower the risk of preeclampsia in those who are at high risk. Studies have found aspirin to be safe during pregnancy. What should I do to prepare for pregnancy?If you have high blood pressure, schedule a preconception appointment with a health care provider who has expertise in managing pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders. Also meet with other members of your health care team, such as your primary care provider or cardiologist. They'll look at how well you're managing your high blood pressure. They also may consider treatment changes before you get pregnant. If you're overweight, your health care provider will recommend losing weight before becoming pregnant. What can I expect during prenatal visits?During pregnancy, you'll see your health care provider often. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked at every visit. You also might need frequent laboratory tests. Your health care provider will closely monitor your baby's health, as well. Frequent ultrasounds might be used to track growth. Fetal testing might be used to evaluate your baby's well-being. Your health care provider might also recommend that you track your baby's daily movements. What can I do to reduce the risk of complications?Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby. For example:
Researchers continue to study ways to prevent preeclampsia. Studies suggest that low-dose aspirin lowers the risk of preeclampsia in those who are at high risk. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that they take a daily low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) starting late in the first trimester. What about labor and delivery?Your health care provider might recommend inducing labor before your due date to avoid complications. The timing is based on how well controlled your blood pressure is and whether you have end-stage organ damage. It also depends on whether your baby has complications, such as slow growth. If you have preeclampsia and the condition is getting worse, you might be given medication during labor to help prevent seizures. Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?Breastfeeding is encouraged for most who have high blood pressure, even those who take medication. Discuss your medications with your health care provider before your baby is born. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is
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