Pregnancy-related hypertension is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and ends shortly after your baby is born, It happens in about 6% to 8% of pregnancies which may also refer to high blood pressure during pregnancy as gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, hosted by Nana Asabea Asare, on the topic ‘Hypertension in Pregnancy’ with Madam Afua Oforiwaa Anane and Madam Ruth Boney senior staff midwives all from Tema Polyclinic.
Madam Afua Oforiwaa Anane explained that Gestational hypertension is different than other types of hypertension because it starts in the second half of pregnancy and goes away after childbirth.
High blood pressure may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so you must attend all your prenatal appointments so your pregnancy care can take your blood pressure.
She said high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications which is why you attend hospital regularly and help you manage your blood pressure for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Again high blood pressure during pregnancy impacts your body differently than it would if you weren’t pregnant. Your heart works harder during pregnancy because it has to pump much more blood. This puts extra stress on your body.
“High blood pressure can also affect how the placenta develops and functions. This means the fetus may not get the nutrients it needs to grow at a normal rate. Both you and your child are at higher risk of complications before labor, during labor, and after delivery, if you have high blood pressure”.
Madam Ruth Boney said there are several different types of high blood pressure during pregnancy. They vary depending on when it begins and the symptoms it causes.
She explained that the most common types of high blood pressure during pregnancy are Chronic hypertension, High blood pressure before pregnancy, or early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks). This type of hypertension continues after your baby is born. People with chronic hypertension can also develop preeclampsia. This is known as chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.
Also, Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure in the latter part of pregnancy. Some people with gestational hypertension will go on to develop preeclampsia and you will need to visit the hospital more frequently if you develop gestational hypertension.
She stressed that Preeclampsia is a condition only found in the second half of pregnancy (typically after 27 weeks of pregnancy). If you are diagnosed with this condition you have elevated blood pressure readings and protein in your pee. It can affect your liver, kidneys, lungs, or brain as well as the placenta. When it affects your brain, you’re at risk for seizures (eclampsia
She said that may be more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy if you are under age 20 or over age 40, if you have had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during past pregnancies, Having a family history of gestational hypertension, Having diabetes or gestational diabetes, Having an immune system disorder, such as lupus, Have kidney disease when are expecting multiple babies (twins, triplets, or more).
She said the cause of high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy is unknown, and it’s also hard to prevent it but the best thing you can do to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy and when you aren’t pregnant is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, walk, ride a bike, or do some other form of exercise several times per week, Avoid smoking and alcohol-containing beverages and get plenty of rest.
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