High blood pressure is also called hypertension. Measuring your blood pressure at your first antenatal visit and throughout pregnancy is recommended for all pregnant women.
***Key Points***
In pregnancy it can develop because of the pregnancy or you may already have high blood pressure before you became pregnant.
It may occur after 20 weeks gestation and be a one-off event, or be part of a more complex condition such as preeclampsia.
Treatment includes rest, monitoring your blood pressure and the your baby’s growth and wellbeing. If your blood pressure doesn’t settle then you may need to start on medication or your baby may need to be born early.
***Key Points***
***Monitoring your blood pressure***
Your blood pressure is monitored throughout your pregnancy at each antenatal visit. Pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] is usually diagnosed after 20 week’s gestation, it is usually a blood pressure greater than 140 over 90. However this should be assessed on an individual basis by your midwife or doctor.
It can also be a sign of a more serious condition called pre-eclampsia.
There may be a higher chance of you developing high blood pressure during pregnancy if you have had pre-eclampsia before, you are aged over 40, have another illness such as diabetes, you are pregnant with twins or you have a high body mass index [BMI].
***Monitoring your blood pressure***
***High blood pressure***
PIH is one of a few types of high blood pressure, the others are: chronic hypertension (when you had high blood pressure before the pregnancy); and pre-eclampsia (a serious condition that can affect other organs in the body).
If you experience headaches, blurred vision, seeing spots, swelling in your legs, feet, face and hands, and pain in your upper abdomen it is advised that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.
It is suggested that you maintain a nutritious diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and if you smoke to give up smoking. If there are concerns about your blood pressure your care provider may suggest a medication to help manage it.***High blood pressure***
During your antenatal visits the midwife of doctor will monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure may impact on the function of your placenta and its ability to provide your baby with oxygenated blood and nutrients.
Resources
Health Direct – pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH]
