According to the March of Dimes, preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure, occurs in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. While that translates to about 6% of pregnancies, it is important to be aware of the signs.
Here's what you should know about your blood pressure while pregnant.
Blood Pressure Changes During Pregnancy
Healthy blood pressure is measured at 120/80 mm HG or below. When it's elevated beyond those measurements—especially more than 140/80 mm HG—you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
During the first two trimesters, blood pressure usually tends to drop thanks to hormones released early in pregnancy that relax the blood vessels, reducing the pressure on the arteries. You may also be more likely to experience dehydration, which can lower blood pressure.
However, at the start of your third trimester, it's common for your blood pressure to rise.
“At this point in pregnancy, your body has created a whole extra pint of blood to help support the pregnancy and has to work hard to pump all that blood,” says Jessica Veeh, MD, with AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton. “This naturally raises your blood pressure, in a temporary condition called gestational hypertension.”
Most of the time, gestational hypertension does not require treatment.
If your blood pressure becomes elevated before your third trimester, it may be a sign you’re at risk for developing serious complications, such as preeclampsia.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Gestational hypertension usually has no noticeable symptoms. However, more dangerous forms of high blood pressure may begin to affect how you feel during pregnancy.
“If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy, you could be at risk for developing dangerously high blood pressure during your later stages of pregnancy,” Dr. Veeh says. “You may experience symptoms such as protein in your urine, which is why we check for this during your prenatal appointments.”
The most dangerous form of high blood pressure during pregnancy is called preeclampsia, which can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is more common in women who live at altitudes greater than 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), which means women who live in Conifer or higher altitude communities are at greater risk.
Here's what you should know about your blood pressure while pregnant. Alert your doctor if you experience the following, particularly in the second half of pregnancy:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Pain in your upper abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling in your hands or feet
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Of course, if you had high blood pressure before you became pregnant, it’s likely to continue to be a factor throughout your pregnancy. Other risk factors — in addition to living at high altitudes — for preeclampsia include:
- Being pregnant after the age of 40
- Diabetes
- Family history of preeclampsia
- First-time pregnancy
- In-vitro fertilization
- Lupus
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy
Discuss your risk factors with your Littleton OB/GYN and ask what you should know about your blood pressure while pregnant. You can develop a plan to monitor and manage your blood pressure.
How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Pregnancy
While gestational hypertension needs to be monitored, it isn’t generally considered dangerous. However, preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.
One of the most dangerous aspects of preeclampsia is the increased risk of placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches from your uterus during delivery. This can cause heavy bleeding that puts both your and your baby's life at risk.
Preeclampsia can also cause damage to your organs — including the kidneys, heart, liver and brain — and increase your risk of future heart disease.
In babies, preeclampsia can cause:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Higher risk for infections
In such cases, your child may require extra care after birth to grow big and strong enough to go home safely.
What to Know About Treating High Blood Pressure While You’re Pregnant
You can take steps to keep your blood pressure low during pregnancy by staying active and eating a healthy diet that's low in sodium. Your physician may also prescribe blood pressure medications if they suit you and your baby.
But above all other courses of treatment for high blood pressure during pregnancy, simply attending all your prenatal appointments is essential. At AHMG OB/GYN at Littleton, formerly CHPG Women's Health, our South Denver obstetricians will monitor your blood pressure throughout your pregnancy to ensure you and your baby stay safe.
If you do experience preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend that you deliver your baby before your due date. Induction and early delivery may be the best choice if you’re experiencing organ damage or other complications.
Solid Support Throughout Your Pregnancy
Our caring team at AHMG Littleton obstetricians, gynecologists and midwives work with you every step of the way so you and your baby can receive all the care you need. To learn more about your blood pressure while pregnant, schedule an appointment with one of our Littleton OB/GYNs by calling our clinic at 720-922-6240.
