GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION: WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY, WAYS TO MANAGE IT

Gestational hypertension is a condition where you have high blood pressure during pregnancy. The condition can put the mother as well as the baby at risk. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) says, “High blood pressure can also cause problems during and after delivery. The good news is that high blood pressure is preventable and treatable.”

While gestational hypertension has become extensively common, with proper control and management of the condition, you can keep yourself as well as your body healthy.

Dr. Radhamany K, Clinical Professor & Head, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi shares insights on what causes high blood pressure during pregnancy.

She said, “During pregnancy, high blood pressure can occur as part of a condition known as pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure. This serious medical issue typically arises after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the unborn baby. Pre-eclampsia is not entirely preventable and affects around 3% to 5% of pregnancies.”

Dr. Radhamany said that it can also occur due to various factors such as hormonal changes, pre-existing conditions like hypertension or kidney disease, and genetic predisposition. Additionally, lifestyle factors like obesity and poor dietary habits can contribute to its onset.

Several other factors contribute to the risk of pre-eclampsia, some of these are:

• Maternal Age: Women below 18 or above 40 years old have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders should be treated appropriately before conception to reduce the risk.

Speaking on ways to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy, Dr. Radhamany said, “Managing high blood pressure during pregnancy involves several measures. These include appropriate treatment of pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease before conception.”

Other ways to reduce risks of pre-eclampsia includes;

• Inter-pregnancy Interval: Avoiding a prolonged interval of more than 10 years between previous normal pregnancies can help mitigate the risk.
• History of Pre-eclampsia: Women who have had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy should be cautious about having a shorter interpregnancy interval.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Consideration of single embryo transfer during ART can lower the risk of pre-eclampsia.
• Low-dose Aspirin: For those with a history of pre-eclampsia or identified as high risk through first-trimester screening, starting low-dose aspirin by 12 weeks of pregnancy or at least by 16 weeks is recommended.
• Calcium Supplementation: In cases of calcium deficiency, calcium supplements of 1000-1500 mg can be considered.

Along with these, you should also make necessary lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage the condition.

Does gestational hypertension subsides after giving birth?

In many cases, high blood pressure during pregnancy resolves after giving birth. However, it’s essential for women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia to continue monitoring their blood pressure postpartum, as there is a risk of persistent hypertension or developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. Dr. Radhamany recommends close follow-up with doctors is important to ensure optimal recovery and long-term health.

2024-03-14T13:55:05Z dg43tfdfdgfd