Gestational Hypertension

Overview

When women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy – more than 140/90 mm Hg – they are said to have a condition called gestational hypertension. It is usually diagnosed at around 20 weeks of pregnancy; if the mother is having twins, it can even set in earlier.

Signs and Symptoms

Increase in blood pressure
Headache
Vision is blurred or other vision changes are experienced
More than normal increase in weight
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Passing very little urine

Causes and Risk Factors

Although there are no known causes, the following might increase the risk of gestational hypertension:

Having had gestational hypertension with the previous delivery
Being diabetic
Kidney problem
When the mother is less than 20 years or more than 40 years
Having twins or more

Complications

Premature or low birth weight babies
Blood flow to the baby is reduced
Possible kidney damage
The mother has a possibility of becoming a hypertensive after the pregnancy
Possibility of preeclampsia and eclampsia

Diagnosis

Checking blood pressure
Urine analysis
Tests to check functioning of liver and kidney
Swollen feet

Treatment

Treatment depends on the symptoms. Options include:

Regular checking of blood pressure
Various scans to make sure the baby is alright
Sometimes, medication like corticosteroids is prescribed

Prevention

Preparing for the pregnancy by maintaining ideal weight will help in prevention. The mother should make sure she eats healthy food and works out actively. Not missing any appointments with the doctor will help in early detection.