When present after the 20th week of pregnancy, high blood pressure -- defined as above 140/90 mm Hg – can cause a dangerous condition called preeclampsia, premature birth and other serious health complications to develop in both the mother and child. Possible causes and contributors to this condition include poor weight management, smoking, alcohol use, being aged 40 or above, having a family history of high blood pressure and/or preeclampsia and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, first-time pregnancies, pregnancies involving more than one baby and those brought about through IVF or other fertility treatments may also be more at risk of developing hypertension. Since symptoms are usually non-existent in those with high blood pressure, it’s important to show up for all regular prenatal visits, during which blood pressure will be checked.
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