Being expectant could increase your chances of getting high blood pressure . However a combination of pregnancy and high blood pressure is less father, and you can always take some steps to protect yourself and the baby. Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood as it forces itself against the arteries during blood pumping. High blood pressure results when the force is too high causing an excessive force on your arterial walls.

Common causes of high blood pressure in pregnancy
• Obesity
• Failure to get enough exercise
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• First-time pregnancy
• Genetics-related susceptibilities

Types of pregnancy’s high blood pressure
• Gestational hypertension
Expectant mothers with gestational hypertension usually develop high blood pressure when they are 20-weeks pregnant. There are no traces of excess protein in their urine nor a sign of organ damage. Mothers with gestational hypertension may gradually develop preeclampsia.

• Chronic hypertension
It refers to a high blood pressure that is present before pregnancy or that occurs 20 months before pregnancy. It is hard to detect the condition as it manifests no physical symptoms.

• Preeclampsia
It is an impulsive increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. The condition usually occurs in the last trimester. Postpartum eclampsia is a type of eclampsia in which symptoms fail to manifest until delivery time. Preeclampsia damages the vital organs such as the liver and kidney. Signs of organ damage include unusually high blood pressure and proteins in urine. Preeclampsia is a life-threatening condition. And you should seek medical advice immediately after noticing the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Why high blood pressure is a challenge during pregnancy
• Causes a reduction in blood flow to the placenta
If the placenta fails to receive enough blood your baby will receive fewer nutrients and oxygen. This can lead to slow growth, premature birth or low birth weight. Additionally, it can complicate the baby’s life by increasing the chances of infections and causing breathing problems that can bring birth complications.

• Placental abruption
Placental abruption is a condition in which the baby’s placenta separates from the inner uterus wall before delivery. Preeclampsia increases the risk of placental abruption and the condition which may threaten your life and that of your baby.

• Injury to other organs
Failing to manage hypertension could result in damage to vital body organs such as the heart, brain, liver, lungs, and kidney. Thes damage of these vital organs is life-threatening.

• Premature delivery
Your doctor may need to deliver your baby earlier to avoid these complications from threatening your baby’s life.
Always consult with your health care provider on the best ways of managing high blood pressure. Routine checks, diagnosis, and medication are also vital in maintaining the health of an expectant mother.

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