There are different types of hypertension in pregnancy

There are three basic types of high blood pressure problems during pregnancy.

• Chronic hypertension refers to a woman who had high blood pressure before she became pregnant, or who develops it before the 20th week of pregnancy.
• Gestational hypertension refers to a woman who had normal blood pressure before she got pregnant, but who has developed blood pressure of 140/90 or higher after the 20th week of pregnancy.
• Preeclampsia is a serious condition that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, usually in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Who has an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Certain factors increase the risk that a woman will have blood pressure issues during her pregnancy, but any woman can develop the problem.

• Having diabetes
• Being obese
• Being age 35 or older
• Being pregnant for the first time
• Having certain pre-existing conditions before getting pregnant, such as chronic hypertension or autoimmune diseases
• Having a multiple pregnancy
• Having high cholesterol
• Family history of high blood pressure during pregnancy

Why is high blood pressure during pregnancy dangerous?

Hypertension during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of developing several complications that can affect both mother and baby.

• Preterm birth, prior to 37 weeks
• Needing a C-section
• Placental abruption, a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall
• Having a low-birthweight baby
• Having a stillborn baby

Risks to the mother include a risk of stroke or developing conditions such as heart disease, either soon after giving birth or later in life. There is also an increased risk that the mother will develop high cholesterol or diabetes later in her life.

What are the symptoms?

Most mothers-to-be find out that they have high blood pressure during their prenatal visits, when our team checks their blood pressure. If a pregnant woman notices any of the following symptoms, she should talk to her physician right away to see if she is dealing with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Noticeable swelling in the face, hands, feet, ankles or legs
• Blurred vision or temporary blindness
• Sensitivity to light
• Painful headaches
• Blood in the urine
• Severe stomach pain
• Breathing problems

If a pregnant woman has any of the following symptoms, she should seek immediate medical help because these may be signs of preeclampsia.

• Severe headaches that won’t stop
• Sudden swelling of the hands or face
• Odd vision changes, such as seeing spots or halos
• Pain located in the right, upper abdominal area
• Gaining more than five pounds in one week
• Blood pressure readings higher than 140/90

Our OBGYNs expertly manage and monitor this high-risk pregnancy condition

For women with high blood pressure during pregnancy, the key to a healthy mother and baby is careful monitoring by our OBGYNs. Our physicians see these patients more often, educating them about their condition and what to watch for. Patients with a high-risk pregnancy are in good hands with the team at Athens OBGYN. Contact us for an appointment.