Gestational hypertension is also known as pregnancy induced hypertension PIH. It is when you develop high blood pressure  after pregnancy week 20  but do not have protein in your urine. Gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia. It goes away after baby is delivered.
 

 

What are the different types of hypertension during pregnancy ?

The different types of hypertension during pregnancy are :

Chronic hypertension : This is when you have a blood pressure of ( over 140/90) before pregnancy, early in pregnancy such as before pregnancy week 20 or  after delivery of the baby.

Gestational hypertension: This  is high blood pressure that  develops after pregnancy week 20 and goes away after the baby is born.

Preeclampsia : This is when you have high blood pressure as well as other symptoms like protein in your urine. Both chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension can lead to this severe condition. Preeclampsia can be fatal to both mom and baby if not treated quickly.

What are the symptoms of gestational hypertension ?

Symptoms of pregnancy induced hypertension include :

• severe headache
• dizziness
• double or blurred vision
• pain in the abdomen
• low urine output
• swelling in feet and hands
• excessive nausea or vomiting
• fever

Am I at risk for gestational hypertension ?

You are at risk if you fall in to the following category :

• first time mom
• carrying multiples
• younger than age 20 or  older than age 40
• women with high blood pressure or diabetes prior to pregnancy
• you are obese

What is the effect of gestational hypertension on my baby ?

Hypertension can result in low birth weight. This is because hypertension prevents  the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta gets  low blood supply, oxygen and food supply to the baby is reduced resulting in baby not thriving well. However, most women with gestational hypertension go on to deliver healthy babies if they  detect  hypertension  early. Pregnancy induced hypertension can result in preeclampsia which is more serious for both mother and baby.

How is it diagnosed ?

 

At each prenatal check up, the health care provider checks your blood pressure, urine level and sometimes orders a  blood test. These are used check if you have hypertension.

 

Other tests that may show that  something is wrong are

• ultrasound to check growth of the baby
• Doppler scan to check the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta
• checking kidney and clotting factors

 

How is gestational hypertension treated ?

Treatment will depend on how close you are to your due date. If you are  close to your due date and your  baby is well-developed , your doctor will recommend delivering  the baby.

If your baby is not well-developed and you have mild hypertension, your doctor will recommend the following :

• drink about 8 glasses of water a day
• consume less salt
• get enough rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels
• increase prenatal checks

 
If hypertension is severe, doctors may try blood pressure medications until it is necessary for the baby to be delivered.

How can I prevent gestational hypertension ?

There is no way to prevent hypertension, however there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

• get enough rest
• stay well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day
• stay active
• eat healthy
• avoid caffeinated beverages
• avoid alcohol

 
NOTE

Your blood pressure will return to normal  after delivery. Sometimes your blood pressure will still remain high requiring you to take medication. Your doctor will work with you on that.
 
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