Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition during pregnancy that requires careful monitoring and treatment to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
There are different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy:
* Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops for the first time during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week.
* Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that a woman has before she becomes pregnant.
* Preeclampsia is a serious condition that involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can develop during pregnancy or after delivery.
* Eclampsia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when preeclampsia is not treated and progresses to cause seizures.
Hypertension during pregnancy can increase the risk of:
* Premature birth
* Low birth weight
* Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus)
* Preeclampsia
* Eclampsia
* Stroke
* Heart attack
To manage hypertension during pregnancy, it is important to:
* Get regular prenatal care
* Follow your doctor’s instructions on diet, exercise, and medication
* Monitor your blood pressure at home or in a clinical setting as recommended by your doctor
* Get enough sleep
* Manage stress
* Avoid smoking and alcohol
* Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat
* Exercise regularly under the guidance of a certified expert
By following these guidelines, expectant mothers can improve their health and the well-being of their unborn child.
