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Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

 
 Pregnancy induced hypertension, or high blood pressure, can complicate an otherwise normal pregnancy.  Women who get pregnancy high blood pressure are often scared and worried
about what this condition means for their pregnancy, their baby, and their health.  Discovering all the options about this common pregnancy condition can help a woman feel less stressed and worried about the implications of high blood pressure in pregnancy. 

What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is merely high blood pressure.  It is the most common medical disorder in pregnancy with 5-10% of pregnant women developing high blood pressure at some point
during pregnancy.  A blood pressure reading indicates how hard the heart is working to pump blood throughout the body.  High blood pressure during pregnancy is considered when the reading is greater than 140/90. 

Risks of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Untreated high blood pressure in pregnancy can cause a variety of serious issues.  Pregnancy high blood pressure is something that should be handled carefully and with much study of the individual woman. 

The following can occur if pregnancy induced hypertension is left untreated:
  • *  Placental abruption
  • *  Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  • *  Maternal and fetal death
  • *  Cerebral hemorrhage
  • *  Kidney failure
  • *  Liver failure
  • *  IUGR (poor growth) of the baby
  • *  Premature birth of the baby 
Due to the severity of these risks, care providers will take pregnancy high blood pressure readings very seriously.  If your doctor or midwife suspects that your blood pressue is a concern, he or she might schedule additional tests to rule out more serious issues.  Also, you might be treated for your high blood pressure to mitigate the risks. 

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Versus Chronic Hypertension
Some women have a history of hypertension before getting pregnant.  If this is the case and your high blood pressure has been managed with diet, exercise, and/or medication, then your condition is called chronic hypertension and is different from pregnancy induced hypertension. 

The women who have had previously unremarkable blood pressure readings but then become hypertensive in pregnancy are considered to have pregnancy induced (or gestational)
hypertension.  They are different in etiology and are handled differently as well. 

About 85% of women who have high blood pressure in pregnancy go on to have normal, uncomplicated deliveries.  The other 15% sometimes develop more serious issues with their
blood pressure like preeclampsia. 

Reasons For Pregnancy Hypertension

The reasons for hypertension during pregnancy is unknown, but here are some theories:
  • Stress and Worry:  Stress and worry can both exacerbate blood pressure readings.  If you are feeling worried or rushed before your blood pressure is checked, the reading might reflect that stress with higher numbers.  Take some time out of your day every day to relax.  Modifying your lifestyle to reduce your stress levels might also help dramatically. 
  • Increase in Blood Volume:  Women might experience high blood pressure as a response to the 50% more blood that is currently circulating in their bloodstream. 
  • White-Coat Hypertension:  If you are nervous about being at the doctor's office, your blood pressure numbers might reflect this with an increased reading.
Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure
If you want to naturally keep your blood pressure under control during pregnancy, there are a few things you can do.  Be sure to check in with your doctor or midwife before you
try any of these options.
  • Rest and Relaxation:  Women who routinely engage in yoga or stress-reduction techniques might find that their blood pressure readings lower.
  • Moderate Exercise:  Exercise has the effect of making your heart stronger, which can lower your blood pressure.  Be sure that you check with your doctor or midwife and listen
  • to your body for cues that you are overdoing it.
  • Increase Fluids:  Keeping your body well hydrated will assist your body in functioning in a healthy way and help keep your blood pressure lower.
  • Vitamin Supplements:  Use a supplement with balanced levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.  These very important minerals can help your body function optimally.

Pregnancy induced hypertension can be very worrisome, but your healthcare provider can assist you in keeping it under control. You can do your part by taking any recommended
medications, getting plenty of rest, eating a well-balanced pregnancy diet, and getting moderate exercise daily.


Go from Pregnancy Induced Hypertension to Pregnancy Problems.

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