Hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Severe chronic hypertension is having a blood pressure of 180/110 or higher. Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure when the heart is contracting while diastolic pressure refers to the period when the heart is in a period of rest and expansion.
Chronic hypertension is one of the common diseases which affect pregnant women. About 3 percent of women have this condition. Moreover, pregnant women who have chronic hypertension have a high risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). PIH is a type of high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy. It is also called toxemia or preeclampsia.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include swelling of hands, feet, or face, presence of protein in urine, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Women with mild chronic hypertension have a higher health risk factor if their condition becomes severe, or other conditions such as diabetes and PIH develop. In pregnant women, risks may include increase in blood pressure, congestive heart failure, bleeding in the brain, kidney failure, early detachment of the placenta from the uterus, and blood clotting disorder and early delivery to name a few.
It is not only the mother who is at great risk, but the baby inside the womb as well. Depending on the severity of the condition, there is a high possibility that there will be a decrease in the fetal growth, or it could lead to a pre-term birth or stillbirth. The baby may not also get enough oxygen and nutrients.
A more serious complication of chronic hypertension is superimposed preeclampsia. This condition can affect different organs in your body, particularly the liver and kidney. Bleeding can also occur and it can result to eclampsia seizures. Moreover, all of these complications can result in the early delivery of your baby, or in other words, premature delivery.
It is important that your placenta is nourished and the growth of your fetus is at its healthy state because hypertension can affect its development. If this happens, there is a big chance of your baby experiencing low amniotic fluids and/or intrauterine growth restriction.
To avoid further complications, pregnant women are advised to take frequent ultrasound exams, blood tests and tests that will monitor the baby’s heartbeat. It is also advised to see your doctor or gynecologist frequently. Likewise, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure.