Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure levels are key to good health. Blood pressure is created in part by the steady beating of the heart. Each time the heart contracts or squeezes it pumps blood to the arteries, the arteries carry the blood to the organs and the veins return it to the heart.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

Systolic pressure is the top number and measures the pressure when your heart beats (contracts). A normal systolic pressure is less than 120.

Diastolic pressure is the bottom number and measures the pressure when your heart is relaxed between heartbeats. A normal diastolic pressure is less than 80.

Blood pressure changes often throughout the day. It will increase if you are exercising or excited and decrease when you are resting. These short-term changes are normal. If blood pressure stays high for longer periods it may signal a problem.

In most pregnant women, a reading of 120/80 or less is normal.

Effects on Pregnancy

The fetus receives all the nutrients and oxygen needed for normal growth from the mother. This happens when the correct amount of blood flows through the placenta and pass through the umbilical cord the nutrients and oxygen needed for the baby.

High blood pressure can cause problems during pregnancy. If a woman has high blood pressure it may cause less blood to flow to the placenta limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients the fetus needs to grow.

Types of High Blood Pressure

Chronic Hypertension: is when high blood pressure has been present for some time before the pregnancy. This condition continues during the pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. It is vital that it be controlled, because it can lead to health problems like heart attacks and stroke. During pregnancy, it may affect the growth of the fetus. Talk with your health care provider about the best treatment options for this condition during pregnancy.

Gestational Hypertension: is when the blood pressure is high during the second half of pregnancy. This type of high blood pressure will go away after the baby is born. Your health care provider may want to see you more frequently to monitor your blood pressure. Gestational hypertension may also lead to preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia: is a serious medical condition affecting all organs of the body. The most common sign of preeclampsia is gestational hypertension. Signs of preeclampsia include:

• Headaches
• Visual problems
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling (edema) of the hands and face
• Increased amounts of protein in the urine

Some women are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia. Risk are increased in women who:

• Are pregnant for the first time
• Have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Have a history of chronic hypertension
• Are 35 years or older
• Are carrying more than one fetus
• Have diabetes or kidney disease
• Are obese
• Are African American
• Have certain immune disorders such as lupus or blood diseases

Women with preeclampsia may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring. Preeclampsia is a very serious illness for both the woman and baby. Preeclampsia can lead to a woman’s organs being damaged, including the kidneys, liver, brain, heart and eyes. Severe cases may require early delivery of the baby, even if the baby is not fully grown. Babies born prematurely may have complications.

Prenatal Care

If you have high blood pressure before pregnancy there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of severe effects to you and the baby. The best thing you can do is to see your health care provider before pregnancy and get regular prenatal care.

What You Can Do

If you have chronic high blood pressure follow these steps to help make your pregnancy safer:

Prior to pregnancy:

Work with your doctor to lower your blood pressure

Lose weight through diet and exercise

Take blood pressure medications as prescribed

Ask your health care provider if the medication is safe to use during pregnancy

During pregnancy:

• See your health care provider for regular prenatal care. They will monitor your blood pressure and weight for changes.
• Tell your health care provider early if you have kidney disease or other risk factors
• If you develop any warning signs for preeclampsia tell your health care provider right away.
• If directed by your health care provider monitor blood pressure and weight

Treatment

 When blood pressure increases slightly, and you are not near the end of pregnancy, bed rest may be prescribed at home or in the hospital to help reduce the pressure. If the blood pressure does not increase to dangerous levels, pregnancy may be allowed to continue until labor begins naturally.

If preeclampsia develops, the only real cure is to have the baby. The decision to deliver will depend on the risks to you and whether the risk to the baby is greater in the uterus or in a special nursery. The labor may occur naturally or may be induced. Sometimes a cesarean birth may be needed.

Before deciding on early delivery, your health care provider may monitor your condition to see if it improves.

Finally. . .

High blood pressure during pregnancy can place you and the baby at risk for sever problems. If you have chronic hypertension or are at risk for developing preeclampsia take steps to reduce the risks by working with your health care provider.