Effects of Pregnancy Induced High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia

Some women have high blood pressure during pregnancy. This can put the mother and her baby at risk for problems during the pregnancy.

High blood pressure can also cause problems during and after delivery. The good news is that high blood pressure is preventable and treatable.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is very common. In the United States, high blood pressure happens in 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies among women ages 20 to 44.

High blood pressure in pregnancy has become more common. However, with good blood pressure control, you and your baby are more likely to stay healthy.

Preeclampsia happens when a woman who previously had normal blood pressure suddenly develops *high blood pressure* and protein in her urine or other problems after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

Women who have chronic hypertension can also get preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. Some women with preeclampsia can develop seizures. This is called eclampsia, which is a medical emergency.

The most important thing to do is talk with your healthcare team about any blood pressure problems so you can get the right treatment and control your blood pressure before you get pregnant. 

Getting treatment for high blood pressure is important before, during, and after pregnancy.

Signs And Symptoms of Preeclampsia

• A headache that will not go away.

• Changes in vision, including blurry vision, seeing spots, or having changes in eyesight.

• Pain in the upper stomach area

• Nausea or vomiting

• Swelling of the face or hands

• Sudden weight gain

• Trouble breathing

Risk Factors of Preeclampsia or Pregnancy Induced High BP

• This is the first time you have given birth.

• You had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy.

• You have chronic (long-term) high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or both.

• You have a history of thrombophilia (a condition that increases the risk of blood clots).

• You are pregnant with multiple babies (such as twins or triplets).

• You became pregnant using in vitro fertilization.

• You have a family history of preeclampsia.

• You have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

• You have obesity.

• You have lupus (an autoimmune disease).

• You are older than 40.

Precautionary Measures to be taken Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Some women ask, what should I do if I have high blood pressure before, during, or after pregnancy?

Before Pregnancy

Make a plan for pregnancy and talk with your doctor or healthcare team about the following

Any health problems you have or had and any medication you are taking. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. 

Your doctor or healthcare team can help you find medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy.

Ways to keep a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity.

During Pregnancy

• Get early and regular prenatal care. Go to every appointment with your doctor or health care professional.

• Talk to your doctor about any medication you take, and which ones are safe. Do not stop or start taking any type of medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, without first talking with your doctor.

• Keep track of your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure monitor. Contact your doctor if your blood pressure is higher than usual or if you have symptoms of preeclampsia. Talk to your doctor or insurance company about getting a home monitor.

• Continue to choose healthy foods and keep a healthy weight.

After Pregnancy

Pay attention to how you feel after you give birth. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, you have a higher risk for stroke and other problems after delivery. 

Tell your doctor or call 9-1-1 right away if you have symptoms of preeclampsia after delivery. You might need emergency medical care.

Discuss blood pressure problems with your healthcare team before, during, and after pregnancy.

Learn what to do if you have high blood pressure before, during, or after pregnancy.

Complications of High BP in Pregnancy

Both mother and child are at risk during pregnancy with high blood pressure Complications from high blood pressure for the mother and infant can include the following:

• For the mother: preeclampsia, eclampsia, and stroke, the need for labor induction (giving medicine to start labor to give birth), and placental abruption (the placenta separating from the wall of the uterus).

• For the baby: preterm delivery (birth that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight (when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). The mother’s high blood pressure makes it more difficult for the baby to get enough oxygen and nutrients to grow, so the mother may have to deliver the baby early.

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