Let's learn about hypertension during pregnancy. How does it affect you and your baby?

If you are someone who is expecting to become a mother, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Especially, you may be a little scared about some health conditions that occur during pregnancy. One thing that many people talk about, but don't really know, is hypertension, which means an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. Today, we will talk about this in detail, very simply.

What is high blood pressure during pregnancy? (`Gestational Hypertension`)

Simply put, after about 20 weeks of pregnancy, your blood pressure, or blood pressure, becomes higher than normal, which is what we call gestational hypertension. This condition occurs in 6% to 8% of pregnancies. Sometimes your doctor may also call it pregnancy-induced hypertension. The special thing about this is that it usually goes away within a few days after you have the baby.

However, when your blood pressure increases during this time, you may not notice any major symptoms. That is why it is important to attend your prenatal clinics on time. Then the doctor can measure your blood pressure regularly. Because, if the blood pressure increases in this way, some complications can occur for you and the baby. Therefore, the doctor will carefully monitor you and the baby throughout the pregnancy and help you control your blood pressure.

What exactly is high blood pressure (Hypertension)?

Let's first look at what high blood pressure, or ``Hypertension``, is. When blood travels through your body's blood vessels, the pressure exerted on the walls of those blood vessels is what we call blood pressure. When this pressure is higher than normal, that's what we call high blood pressure, or "high pressure."

How is increased blood pressure during pregnancy different from other times?

When you're pregnant, your blood pressure increases, which affects your body differently than when you're not pregnant. Think about it, your heart has to work harder than usual during pregnancy because it has to pump more blood throughout your body. This puts extra strain on your body.

Also, high blood pressure can affect the way the placenta develops and works. The placenta is the pathway that provides the baby with the nutrients and oxygen it needs. So if it is affected, the baby may not get the nutrients it needs to develop normally. If you have high blood pressure, you and your baby are at higher risk of complications before, during, and after birth.

What types of pressure can occur during pregnancy?

There are several types of high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy. These vary depending on when the pressure begins to rise and the symptoms it causes.

The main types seen are:

• Chronic hypertension:This refers to high blood pressure that was present before you became pregnant, or that started within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. This type of pressure can continue after the baby is born. People with chronic high blood pressure can also develop a condition called ``Preeclampsia``. This is called ``chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia``.
• Gestational hypertension: This is the high blood pressure we talked about earlier, which starts in late pregnancy. Some people with gestational hypertension can later develop preeclampsia. If you have this condition, your doctor will need to see you more often.
• Preeclampsia: This is a condition that only appears in the second half of pregnancy (usually after 27 weeks). This condition is diagnosed when your doctor finds that your blood pressure is high and you have protein in your urine. It can affect your liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, and placenta. If it affects the brain, there is a risk of seizures (eclampsia).

Who is at higher risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy?

Now you may be wondering, 'Does this happen to everyone? Or are there people who are particularly at risk?' Actually, some people are more likely to develop this condition. Let's take a look at who they are:

• If you are under 20 or over 40 years old.
• If you have had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during previous pregnancies.
• If someone in the family has had ``gestational hypertension`` (meaning it can be hereditary).
• If you have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
• If you have an immune system disease, for example, lupus.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you are expecting multiple babies, such as twins or triplets.
• If you are black (some genetic factors may play a role).

Are ``Gestational Hypertension`` and ``Preeclampsia`` two different things?

Yes, these two are a little different. ``Gestational Hypertension`` is just high blood pressure that occurs during the last part of pregnancy. However, it does not affect your kidneys, which means that you do not have protein in your urine. However, because this condition can develop into ``Preeclampsia``, doctors will check you regularly.

Preeclampsia is a more serious condition . It also occurs in the second half of pregnancy. In this condition, along with high blood pressure, protein begins to appear in the urine. If left untreated, it can damage organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain. Preeclampsia can also cause problems with the baby's development and can increase the risk of stillbirth.

What causes high blood pressure during pregnancy?

In fact, the exact cause of high blood pressure during pregnancy has not yet been discovered . However, some of the conditions and factors we discussed earlier may increase this risk.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because many people don't realize they have high blood pressure. In addition to your doctor telling you your blood pressure is high, there may be other symptoms:

• Swelling (also called edema). Especially the face, hands, and feet may swell.
• Headache. You may experience a severe, persistent headache.
• Sudden weight gain.
• Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Only a small amount of urine is passed at a time.
• Stomach pain (especially in the upper right part of the abdomen).

If you notice any of these signs, you should see a doctor immediately.

What are the dangers of high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Not everyone develops complications from high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, high blood pressure puts you at risk for complications such as:

• Seizures
• Stroke
• Temporary kidney failure
• Liver problems
• Blood clotting problems

Also, if you have high blood pressure, you are more likely to have to deliver your baby by cesarean section (C-section).

How does gestational hypertension affect my baby?

During pregnancy, increased pressure can reduce the amount of blood that reaches the placenta (the pathway that provides food and oxygen to the baby). This lack of blood and nutrients can cause the baby to:

• Low birth weight or Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Low birth weight is when a baby weighs less than 5 pounds and 8 ounces (about 2.5 kilograms) at birth.
• Premature birth (birth before 37 weeks).
• Stillbirth .
• Labor induction occurs when the baby is not fully developed (before 39 weeks).

But remember, in most cases, if this condition is recognized early in pregnancy and the pressure is well controlled, a healthy baby can be born. The more severe the condition, the greater the risk of serious complications.

What is the normal blood pressure during pregnancy?

There are two numbers when measuring your blood pressure. The first number is the ``Systolic blood pressure``. This measures the pressure when your heart contracts. The second number is the ``Diastolic blood pressure``. This measures the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The doctor will read the pressure as "120 over 80" (120/80 mmHg), which is the systolic pressure at the top and the diastolic pressure at the bottom.

It is very important to see your doctor during the first trimester of pregnancy to know your normal blood pressure level. In the second trimester, blood pressure usually decreases slightly, so it can be difficult to recognize chronic hypertension. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe medication to control it. Systolic blood pressure above 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure above 110 mmHg can cause serious conditions such as stroke or seizures. In such cases, hospitalization during pregnancy may be necessary.

How do you recognize high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Your doctor will measure your blood pressure every time you visit your antenatal clinic. Your blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, and it can also increase due to many factors.

If you notice a change in your normal blood pressure level, or if it is higher than normal, your doctor may suspect that you have high blood pressure. The first thing to do is to have your blood pressure measured again at the clinic after a while. If your blood pressure is still not normal, your doctor may do some more tests.

In addition to taking more pressure measurements, the doctor may also do the following:

• Check your pee for protein.
• We will check you for swelling.
• Perform blood tests to check liver and kidney function and blood clotting factors.

What are the treatments for Gestational Hypertension?

Doctors treat high blood pressure during pregnancy in a variety of ways. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, your overall health, and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Your doctor will want to monitor your blood pressure closely and watch for signs of high blood pressure. This will include regular visits to the clinic to check your blood pressure and urine for signs of preeclampsia. Your doctor may also recommend the following treatments:

• Monitoring your blood pressure at home .
• Medication to lower your blood pressure.
• Hospitalization .

The main goal of treatment is to lower your blood pressure, or at least prevent it from getting worse and causing complications.

Also, doctors regularly monitor the baby and perform regular tests to check the baby's health. Some of these tests are:

• Ultrasound scan (`Ultrasound`)
• Nonstress test
• Biophysical profile
• Doppler ultrasound (this measures blood flow)
• Counting your fetal movement or kick counting

If your doctor thinks your baby will be born prematurely, you may be given steroids to help your baby's lungs mature. These steroids can reduce the risk of your baby having breathing problems after birth.

What can I do to safely deliver my baby, even though my blood pressure is high?

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of having a safe and healthy baby:

• Take your blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed.
• Check your blood pressure regularly at home.
• Be sure to go to every pregnancy clinic.
• If necessary, agree to an early delivery.
• Eat a healthy diet and reduce salt intake. (For example, reduce the amount of salt you add to your food, foods high in salt, and foods with preservatives as much as possible.)
• Follow your doctor's advice regarding activities and exercise.

The most important thing is that if blood pressure is well controlled, serious complications will not occur during pregnancy and childbirth.

If I have `Gestational Hypertension`, will I be `induced` (labor artificially started)?

Maybe. If your doctor thinks it's safe to deliver your baby early, he or she may recommend starting labor (`inducing labor`). This can happen even before your baby is 37 weeks (called a preterm birth).

Does Bed Rest Help with Gestational Hypertension?

Yes. Your doctor may recommend ``bed rest`` as a treatment for high blood pressure during pregnancy. This means that you may be advised to rest as much as possible.

Will I continue to have the pressure after having the baby?

High blood pressure (hypertension) that occurs during pregnancy usually goes away after you have your baby. However, it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease in the future. If you have had severe preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, you may need to take medication for a few weeks after you have your baby. If you had severe high blood pressure during labor, it is important to see your doctor within 10 days of giving birth.

People who had chronic hypertension before pregnancy usually continue to have it after having a baby. Sometimes, your blood pressure may remain high after having a baby, and you may need to take medication to treat it. Your doctor can help you manage your blood pressure after pregnancy.

When should I be worried about Gestational Hypertension?

If you experience any of these symptoms , call your antenatal clinic doctor immediately:

• A headache that comes on suddenly and doesn't subside no matter how long it takes.
• Blurred vision, double vision.
• Swelling (especially of the face, hands, feet).
• Less urine output than normal.

If your doctor has already told you that you have high blood pressure, talk to them about how to best manage the condition. They can help you avoid serious complications for you and your baby due to high blood pressure.

Can high blood pressure be prevented during pregnancy?

Since we don't know exactly what causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, it's a little difficult to prevent it. But here are some of the best things you can do to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy (and even when you're not pregnant):

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy diet. (Eat more fruits, vegetables, and greens. Reduce oil, salt, and sugar.)
• Do some exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, a few days a week.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol completely.
• Get enough rest and sleep well.

If you are at risk for high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking a baby aspirin a day. Understanding your risk of high blood pressure and knowing the warning signs can help you avoid serious complications from this condition.

If you have any concerns about your blood pressure or your risk of developing high blood pressure, be sure to talk to your doctor.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

High blood pressure during pregnancy, called ``gestational hypertension,'' can cause serious complications for both you and your baby. But the good news is that this type of high blood pressure usually goes away after you have the baby.

The main treatment is to measure blood pressure regularly, take medication if necessary, and make lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise). If blood pressure is well managed, it does not cause serious problems. However, if it is not controlled, serious complications such as premature birth and placental abruption can occur.

So, if you have any doubts or questions about your blood pressure readings or how to manage your blood pressure, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Your safety and that of your unborn baby are the most important things!

` Gestational hypertension, pressure, preeclampsia, pregnancy health, baby's health, blood pressure, pregnancy complications