Skip to main content

Gestational Hypertension in Pregnancy

 


Gestational Hypertension in Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension is a pregnancy condition characterised by high blood pressure in pregnancy. This condition should not be confused with other blood pressure conditions such as chronic hypertension or preeclampsia. Gestational hypertension generally develops in the second trimester and goes away after you give birth. Don’t be alarmed if your doctor observes high blood pressure during your pregnancy, many women with high blood pressure deliver healthy babies. Your doctor would closely monitor your condition as well as your baby’s health and growth.  To effectively manage gestational hypertension, let us first understand this condition better. Medical experts are still to identify the exact causes of gestational hypertension. A few factors that can increase the risk of developing high bp in pregnancy include:

·         Having a history of hypertension or gestational hypertension

·         Having any kidney disease

·         Being overweight/obese

·         Having diabetes

·         Being younger than 20 years or older than 40 years of age

·         Having multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets etc)

During your prenatal visits, your doctor would evaluate the risks to your pregnancy based on your medical and family history. Apart from high blood pressure, you might also experience the following symptoms of high BP in pregnancy:

·         Persistent headache

·         Oedema (swelling)

·         Sudden weight gain 

·         Blurred or double vision

·         Nausea or vomiting 

·         Pain in the upper side of your stomach

·         Making small amounts of urine

It is important to carefully monitor and manage signs of high blood pressure during pregnancy as it can result in severe blood pressure conditions such as preeclampsia. If you notice any new symptoms bring it to the notice of your obstetrician right away.  If you are detected with high blood pressure, your doctor might run additional tests to rule out any other conditions. These include:

·         Urine testing to check for protein (to check kidney function)

·         Checking for swelling

·         Monitoring your weight

·         Liver function test

·         Blood clotting test

How to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy?

The main goal of treatment for gestational hypertension is to prevent the condition from worsening. Your treatment would include the following:

·         Foetal monitoring: During your prenatal visits, your doctor would closely monitor your baby’s growth and health. Foetal movement counting (keeping track of the baby’s kicks and movements), nonstress testing (response of the baby’s heart rate to his/her movements), biophysical profile (a combination of nonstress test and ultrasound) and doppler flow studies (to measure the flow of your baby’s blood through a blood vessel) are some of the tests performed to monitor your little one’s health.

·         Lab testing: Your obstetrician might order routine blood and urine tests during your prenatal visits. This is done mainly to test the presence of protein and monitor your condition.

·         Medications: Your doctor would prescribe corticosteroids in case you have the risk of having a preterm delivery. These medicines boost the growth of your baby’s lungs. 

Gestational hypertension on its own doesn’t necessarily be a cause of worry. However, if not managed correctly it can lead to complications such as preterm labour and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that affects various organ systems in the body including the nervous system. The only course of treatment in this event is performing an emergency delivery. 

 

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

If you do have high blood pressure during your pregnancy, the following tips can help you have a healthier pregnancy.

·         Eat healthy: Follow a balanced diet rich in folic foods. These will help in foetal development. Remember during your pregnancy, your baby eats what you eat. You can develop a diet plan unique to your needs with the help of your OBGYN and nutritionist.  

·         Relax: Pregnancy is a beautiful time but it can also be a stressful one. Reducing stress is one of the most effective ways to manage high blood pressure. Try calming techniques like meditation and breathing exercises to relax. Also, remember to get plenty of rest and sleep while you can.

·         Exercise:  Regular exercise can go a long way in managing high blood pressure in pregnancy. Mild to moderate physical exercise 4-5 times a week also helps in regulating mood and maintaining good foetal health. You can develop exercise plans with the help of your obgyn to understand what is safe for you. 

 

Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution and check with your doctor in case you aren’t sure whether something is out of the ordinary or not. 

 

FAQs

Ques: Is gestational hypertension and chronic hypertension the same?

Ans: Gestational hypertension is a blood pressure condition characterised by high bp after the 20th week of pregnancy. Chronic hypertension is high bp that existed before the pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure and are planning to or have become pregnant, consult your doctor for ways to manage the condition. In case you are overweight, your doctor might ask you to lose some pounds with diet and exercise to help manage your blood pressure. Also, consult your OBGYN for any medications that you might be taking for any pre-existing conditions.

 

Ques: What is preeclampsia?

Ans: Preeclampsia is a type of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure and a significant amount of protein in the urine. It can cause multiple organ systems to fail and can also be fatal to the mother and child. Preeclampsia also hinders foetal growth by restricting blood flow to the placenta. The exact causes of this condition are not known however, it is more commonly seen in first time pregnancies, pregnant teens and pregnant women over the age of 40. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:

·         Rapid weight gain or swelling caused by fluid retention (oedema)

·         Abdominal pain

·         Severe headache 

·         Nausea

·         Blurry or double vision

If you notice any of the above symptoms seek immediate medical attention.

 

Ques: Can gestational hypertension be prevented?

Ans: There are no ways to completely eliminate the risk of developing gestational hypertension. Early diagnosis and treatment are the most effective ways to manage this condition. So, make sure to go on regular prenatal visits to monitor the progress of your pregnancy. 


Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar

MS (OBGYN), MBBS, DNB(OBGYN), FICS (UK), FPAI, FMAS

Sr. Consultant (Obstetrician and Gynecologist)

Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center

Website: https://www.aashirwadclinic.net

Contact: +91-749935-7236

Address: Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center, Sham Heights, First Floor, Shop No. 103, Old Jakat Naka, Chinchwad, Pune - 411033

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/azWVezChGCoEBkHC9

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeenakshiPawarMS/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aashirwad-clinic-and-sonography-center-5a7445350

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AashirwadClinic1

Profile: https://g.co/kgs/u5k2KkJ

 

 #WomenHealth #Gynecologist #Obstetrician #Pregnancy #Sonography #Chinchwad #PCMC #PimpriChinchwad #AashirwadClinic #WomenHealth #Gynecologist #Obstetrician #Pregnancy #Sonography #LadyDoctor #PCMC #Chinchwad #Pimpri #PimpriChinchwad #Akurdi #Nigdi #Ravet #Kiwale #Punawale #Tathawade #Wakad #Thergaon #Kalewadi #Bhosari #Moshi #Sangvi #Rahatani #Marunji #Dehuroad | Best Gynecologist Near Me |Best Female Lady Gynecologist Near Me | Top Obstetrician and Gynecologist Near Me |Best Gynecologist in Pimpri Chinchwad | Best Gynecologist in Chinchwad | Best Gynecologist in Ravet | Gynec Doctor in Chinchwad | Gynecologist in Nigdi | Top Gynecologist in Ravet | Best Obstetrician and Gynecologist | Women Doctor

 


Labels:
Location: Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Morning Sickness vs Hyperemesis Gravidarum

  Morning Sickness vs Hyperemesis Gravidarum Many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is most common during the early weeks of pregnancy. Even though it doesn’t always happen in the morning, this is known as morning sickness. However, if you have severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy you might have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. So, what is the difference between regular morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum? About Morning Sickness Any woman who has ever been pregnant and experienced morning sickness can tell you that the condition is poorly named. Nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy is not limited to the morning hours. That’s why many professionals don’t refer to it as morning sickness anymore. They call it “nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.” It can happen any time during the day and when it happens varies from woman to woman. Some women will experience a short bout of nausea each day and vomit once or twice. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat & What to Avoid

    Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat & What to Avoid   A healthy pregnancy diet is essential for both the mother and the baby because what a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is the ultimate source of nutrition for her baby. Experts recommend that a pregnant woman’s diet should include a mixture of healthy foods and beverages to provide vital nutrients for the growth and development of the baby. There is no fancy formula for a healthy diet during pregnancy. The basic principles of a healthy diet during pregnancy remain the same: eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, there are certain nutrients in the pregnancy diet that deserve special attention. Food to Eat During Pregnancy Pregnant women tend to get numerous tips about the dos and don’ts from various sources like family, friends and the internet. Some expectant mothers believe that they have to eat for two but that’s not true. Quality matters more than ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Exercise Tips During Pregnancy

  Exercise Tips During Pregnancy Aching back, swollen ankles and insomnia-sounds familiar? In other words, you’re likely to be pregnant!   Is there anything you can do to minimise these uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy? Turns out, there is exercise. Maintaining a regular exercise routine during the course of your pregnancy can help you stay hale and hearty. Working out while you’re pregnant provides a lot of health benefits — a mood booster, a diminution in many pregnancies-related uncomfortable symptoms and a speedier postpartum recovery. Some studies have presented that exercise may even cut down a woman’s risk of complications, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, significantly It doesn’t matter if you were an ironwoman or lazybones until now. You can still benefit from getting some exercise during pregnancy. It’s safe, as long as you get the go-ahead from your doctor before hitting any new or familiar workout routine and abide by a few pregnancy-specific ...
Post a Comment
Read more