Blood pressure and pregnancy

Will everything be okay? Will a healthy baby be born? Responsibility is very important because we need to take care of our health and the proper development of the life that grows in us. Sometimes the concerns are not unfounded, as pregnancy is associated with specific conditions that require closer monitoring. High blood pressure (so-called hypertension) is one of these conditions.

There are several types of hypertension during pregnancy.

Chronic hypertension: Chronic hypertension is considered high blood pressure that appears before pregnancy or up to the 20th week of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia occurs when hypertension develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and is accompanied by signs of protein accumulation in the urine, damage to the kidneys, liver, blood and brain. Untreated preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Hypertension caused by pregnancy. This type of hypertension is diagnosed after the 20th week of pregnancy and is also called “gestational hypertension”. There is no excess protein or other signs of organ damage in the urine, but some women develop preeclampsia later.

As you can see, high blood pressure carries risks, so it is best to control it throughout pregnancy. Follow-up is an essential part of prenatal care. If you have chronic hypertension, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure throughout your pregnancy. However, this is not always enough and it is good to check your blood pressure every day at home.

It is essential to choose a reliable blood pressure monitor that you can trust. Equipment SENDOare a good choice for daily blood pressure monitoring and are easy to use and come in a variety of varieties. They guarantee accurate heart rate measurement, upper and lower blood pressure limits, and some device modifications SENDOalso take into account the presence of arrhythmic heartbeats.

But what exactly is high blood pressure during pregnancy and how do you know if your condition is worrying?

You have high blood pressure when the upper limit is from 120 to 129 mmHg and the lower limit is below 80 mmHg. High blood pressure tends to worsen over time if measures do not control it. Therefore, if you find even a slight increase in performance during home monitoring, tell your doctor.

If the upper limit of blood pressure is in the range of 130 to 139 mmHg, and the lower from 80 to 89 mmHg, you have first-degree hypertension and with indicators above these, we can already talk about the degree of hypertension second. .

If during the measurement of blood pressure, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it exceeds 140/90 mmHg – two or more times, with an interval of at least four hours, without damage to other organs – it is considered that you have gestational hypertension.

Now that you know what hypertension is during pregnancy, we will answer some common questions:

What are the risks of hypertension for me and my baby?

During pregnancy, poorly controlled hypertension can cause many complications that harm the expectant mother, including damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other major organs.

The presence of preeclampsia may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. Your risk of developing this disease in the future is higher if you have had preeclampsia more than once or premature birth due to high blood pressure during pregnancy.

The risks to the baby are as follows: decreased blood flow to the placenta, placental abruption, delayed or reduced growth. Sometimes it is necessary to encourage an early birth to prevent potentially life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.

How do I know if I will develop preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy, so it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly. In addition to high blood pressure, it is best to pay attention to the following symptoms:

– Kidney problems and decreased urine production;

– Severe headaches;

– Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light;

– Pain in the upper abdomen, usually below the ribs, on the right side;

– Nausea or vomiting;

– Shortness of breath;

– Sudden weight gain and swelling, especially of the face and arms;

Some of these symptoms can be caused by other causes not related to pregnancy complications. But if you take them after the 20th week of pregnancy, consult your doctor.

Is it safe to take blood pressure medication during pregnancy?

Some blood pressure medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Your doctor will decide what is right for you and prescribe the safest medicine at the most optimal dose. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Please do not stop taking it and do not adjust the quantity yourself.

What should I do if I have high blood pressure to reduce the risk of complications?

Taking care of yourself is the best way to get through pregnancy and take care of your baby. First of all, do not miss the consultation with the doctor. Monitor your blood pressure daily and take your medication regularly. If there are no contraindications, stay physically active – walk and do light exercise.

Eat healthy and do not overdo it. Yes, new life is growing in you, but you do not need to eat for two. Excess weight gain during pregnancy is a risk factor for high blood pressure. Choose healthy foods, avoid processed foods, tobacco and alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, nuts and prefer whole grains instead of refined flour.

After all, as we said, it is good to know that most expectant mothers with high blood pressure go through pregnancy without problems and have no complications. If you fall into this category, your pregnancy is considered a little more dangerous than the standard. But if you follow your doctor’s instructions and make some healthy lifestyle changes, you and your baby will do well.

top channel