High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

High blood pressure and pregnancy can be a dangerous combination, even though most women with moderate high blood pressure deliver normal healthy babies. But certain complications, for both the mother and the child, are more likely during pregnancy for someone who has high blood pressure or hypertension.

Chronic, pre-existing high blood pressure can cause damage in the kidneys and other vital organs, resulting in a low birth weight and possibly premature delivery. High blood pressure can reduce the blood flow to the placenta, compromising the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients. It can also contribute to placental abruption, in which the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus. This results in less oxygen for the baby and may cause heavy bleeding in the mother.

Pregnancy, Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia 

Blood pressure problems can also cause a serious condition known as preeclampsia, which can be life threatening to both the mother and the baby.

Preeclampsia occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and affects 5-8 percent of all pregnancies.

Although some women with preeclampsia report no symptoms, it's usually characterized by swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision.

The onset of preeclampsia usually takes place in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters.

Preeclampsia and other disorders involving high blood pressure during pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. Recent research indicates that women who develop preeclampsia probably will have an increased risk of heart disease later in life, even though their blood pressure returns to normal after delivery.

While preeclampsia is a prominent danger for pregnant women, there can be other risks associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy. Any woman who is taking medications for blood pressure problems should have a careful and thorough review of her prescriptions by her doctor. It's currently believed that pregnant women should avoid angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists.

Generally speaking, a pregnant woman should avoid alcohol and tobacco. Both of these may contribute to blood pressure disorders.