High blood pressure in pregnancy

During pregnancy high blood pressure can pose a real danger to mother and child. Here are the reasons and consequences.

Why?
High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. If left untreated, it can cause immunological illness: pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (the more advanced, serious form). This can affect the liver, placenta, brain, cardiovascular system and hormonal system. It usually occurs in the 3rd trimester and can cause premature birth. The reasons for eclampsia are not really known; however three factors could play a part. Eclampsia can be caused by the placenta, it could be genetic or even the mother and her environment could be the source. Pregnant women with a history of high blood pressure prior to pregnancy should be monitored carefully.

What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
Aside from high blood pressure itself, the symptoms are sudden and severe: swelling (oedema) because the kidneys are affected and protein ‘leaks’ away into the urine, plus neurological difficulties such as visual disturbance, headaches and/or dizziness.

Monitoring
The best way to prevent eclampsia is to have your blood pressure taken regularly. If it is high, the doctor will ask for a urine sample and if the level of protein is high then there is a risk of eclampsia.

Treatment
Your doctor will prescribe medication to gradually lower blood pressure, so as not to suddenly reduce bloodflow to the placenta, which can be dangerous for the baby. Just before the birth, drugs are given intravenously.

Prevention
You can take some easy prevention measures yourself by making good diet and lifestyle choices: balanced low-calorie meals and regular exercise. Monitoring your blood pressure yourself will help you to react to problems. Devices are on sale in many chemists.