Hypertension is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, both in underdeveloped and developed countries. In fact, it is estimated that 15% of pregnancies are affected by hypertension.
Hypertensive disorders are a major cause of maternal, neonatal and fetal mortality and morbidity during pregnancy.
What kinds of hypertension are there during pregnancy?
We can identify 2 main groups:
- Chronic hypertension: this is hypertension that already existed prior to pregnancy.
- Gestational hypertension: it usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
There are also 3 levels of severity for each group:
- Mild hypertension: blood pressure between 140/90 and 149/99 mms Hg.
- Moderate hypertension: blood pressure between 150/100 and 159/109 mm Hg.
- Severe hypertension: blood pressure above 160/110 mms Hg.
What symptoms can we detect?
If the mother has any of these symptoms of hypertension, she should report them to the physician urgently:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden swelling of the hands, feet or face
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Sharp pain in the pit of the stomach
What are the risks to the baby?
- Prematurity
- Delayed growth in the uterus
- Intrauterine fetal death
It also involves some risks for the mother, including:
- Placental abruption
- Cerebral vascular accident
- Clotting disorders
What is the treatment?
The treatment of hypertension will vary depending on its cause. The most important thing is to keep blood pressure under control, with the aim of achieving the healthiest possible pregnancy.
It is important to follow a frequent follow-up with a gynecological specialist, as well as to eat healthy and do regular light physical exercise.