High Blood Pressure: A silent killer during pregnancy

While high blood pressure is common during pregnancy, it can also be a serious concern to monitor. High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mm Hg. The condition is a serious concern for some pregnant women.

When you go for your antenatal check-up, a doctor or nurse will monitor your blood pressure on every visit. You may have existing high blood pressure, or you may develop hypertension during pregnancy. Whatever the case, it is essential to keep your blood pressure under control because it can pose a risk to both mother and unborn baby. 

Silent killer

The problem with high blood pressure is that you may feel perfectly normal, but something is significantly wrong. Hypertension has no symptoms or warning signs, which is why it is referred to as a “silent killer”. Certain factors can put one at an increased risk of hypertension during pregnancy, and these include:

• Hypertension during a previous pregnancy
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Being under the age of 20 years or over the age of 40 years
• Having diabetes and other chronic illnesses
• A family history of pregnancy-related hypertension
• Being pregnant with more than one baby

Preeclampsia

When high blood pressure is accompanied by protein in the urine and swelling (swollen ankles, fingers, and face), it is incredibly serious and could indicate preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that could signal damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. It usually happens late in pregnancy, although it can come earlier or just after delivery. You can help protect yourself by learning the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and seeing your doctor for regular prenatal care. Catching preeclampsia early may lower the chances of long-term problems for both mom and baby.

Other signs of preeclampsia

• Weight gain over 1 or 2 days because of a large increase in bodily fluid
• Belly pain, especially in the upper right side
• Severe headaches
• Change in reflexes
• Peeing less or not at all
• Dizziness
• Severe vomiting and nausea
• Vision changes like flashing lights, floaters, or blurry vision

The right to care

Primary health care plays a critical role in ensuring the prevention and risk reduction of hypertension during pregnancy. The good news is that regular blood pressure testing can go a long way to help control hypertension and pre-eclampsia. 

Prevent problems during pregnancy

If you already have high blood pressure, discuss how hypertension might affect you or your baby with your doctor so that they can adapt or change any current blood pressure medication, if necessary. For a healthy pregnancy, one should:

1. Ensure that you are in the best possible health before falling pregnant.
2. Get early and regular care from a doctor.
3. Follow all your doctor’s recommendations.
4. Check your blood pressure regularly throughout pregnancy and beyond.