- Chronic Hypertension- Women who have high blood pressure ( over 140/90) before pregnancy, early in pregnancy ( before 20 weeks), or carry it on after delivery.
- Gestational Hypertension- High blood pressure that develops after week 20 in pregnancy and goes away after delivery.
- Preeclampsia- Both chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension can lead to this severe condition after week 20 of pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure and protein in the urine and can lead to serious complications for both mom and baby if not treated quickly.
Who is at risk for Gestational Hypertension ?
The following may increase the risk of developing gestational hypertension:- A first-time mom
- Women whose sisters and mothers had PIH
- Women carrying multiple babies
- Women younger than age 20 or older than age 40
- Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy
How do I know if I have Gestational Hypertension?
At each prenatal checkup your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, urine levels, and may order blood tests which may show if you have hypertension.Your physician may also perform other tests that include: checking kidney and blood-clotting functions; ultrasound scan to check your baby’s growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.
How is Gestational Hypertension treated?
Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider may want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.If you have mild hypertension and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following:
- Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
- Increase prenatal checkups.
- Consume less salt.
- Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
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