Hypertension in Pregnancy

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure which, uncontrolled, can lead to heart attack, stroke, or heart and kidney failure. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal blood pressure reading of lower than 120/80 mmHg.

Women with gestational elevated blood pressure readings typically are diagnosed with chronic hypertension during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. If untreated, the condition can cause complications such as fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, or the need for cesarean section delivery.

Who is at risk?

The condition occurs in up to 5 percent of pregnant women, and more often in those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. The risks also increase with age, and when a woman’s close relatives, particularly her parents, suffer from hypertension.

Other general contributors are alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and high levels of stress. Specific to women, birth control pills and pregnancy are additional risk factors.

Is the condition manageable?

Through appropriate physician consultation and lifestyle adjustments, the majority of women with chronic hypertension do very well throughout pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. However, it is critically important for women with hypertension to consult their physician before becoming pregnant. The physician can suggest prevention strategies such as dietary adjustments, physical activity changes and exercise modifications to manage hypertension. And, although there are safe anti-hypertensive medications for use during pregnancy and lactation, the physician must prescribe the most appropriate to avoid complications.

Regular prenatal care visits also are extremely important in monitoring blood pressure. It is typically checked once a month up to the eight month of pregnancy, and then weekly until delivery. Once aware of the reading, the physician then can recommend the best course of action to ensure a happy, healthy mother and baby.

Submitted by Igor Brondz, M.D., FACOG, on staff at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles. St. Joseph Health Center, SSM St. Joseph Medical Park and SSM St. Joseph Health Center-Wentzville (collectively referred to as SSM St. Joseph) are the largest providers of health care in the quad counties.