Dr. Manasi Thakur | Gynaecologist In Nagpur | Pregnancy, Delivery | Abortion | Cosmetic Gynecology
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy By Dr. Manasi Thakur – Zeinth Hospital
High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy is defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. If left untreated, it can become serious and affect both mother and baby’s health.
Risk Factors
Certain conditions make high blood pressure more likely during pregnancy:
Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity and obesity are major contributors.
Type of Pregnancy – First pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, and IVF pregnancies carry higher risk.
Age – Women above 35 years have greater chances of developing hypertension.
Causes of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Some of the common causes include:
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol consumption
History of hypertension in earlier pregnancies
Family history of hypertension
Carrying twins or more
Age above 35 years
IVF pregnancies
Diabetes or autoimmune diseases
Complications of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
1. Preeclampsia
This occurs when blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg with protein in urine. It can damage vital organs like the brain and kidneys. In severe cases, it can cause convulsions (eclampsia), which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms include:
Swelling of face, hands, and legs
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting (later stages of pregnancy)
Breathing difficulty
⚠️ Preeclampsia is dangerous for both mother and baby. Immediate medical attention is needed if these symptoms appear.
2. HELLP Syndrome
A severe and life-threatening complication of preeclampsia.
HELLP stands for:
Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Low Platelet count
Symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headache
Pain in the upper abdomen
Risks include:
Preterm birth
Placental abruption
Low birth weight
Multi-organ failure