Pregnancy-Induced High Blood Pressure

Pregnancy-induced hypertension or high blood pressure is defined as high blood pressure that is developed after the 20^th week of pregnancy, but that is characterized by a lack of protein in the urine (that one will get you a preeclampsia diagnosis — we'll get there in a bit!). Gestational hypertension is different to chronic hypertension, which is when you already had a high blood pressure when you became pregnant.

Measuring a pregnant woman's blood pressure is a routine act during every prenatal appointment. Regularly measuring your own blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor at home or at any pharmacy is the best way to self-diagnose high blood pressure.

Contrary to popular belief, women with high blood pressure may also experience symptoms:

• Frequent headaches

• Changes in vision

• Irregular heart beat

• Fatigue

Women who suffer from gestational hypertension should be monitored closely for signs of preeclampsia. The recommended treatment depends on how close the pregnant woman is to her estimated due date, and on how high her blood pressure is. Women who suffer from mild hypertension during pregnancy, and who are not approaching their due date yet, will usually be advised to adjust their diet (less salt), rest plenty, and sleep in the SOS ("sleep on left side") position to ensure the baby's weight does not put pressure on major blood vessels. For severe hypertension, your doctor may recommend high blood pressure medications that are safe during pregnancy, or an early induction of labor. 

Preeclampsia

Women who have high blood pressure and protein in their urine will be diagnosed with preeclampsia. If preeclampsia is not diagnosed and treated, it can develop into eclampsia — potentially fatal seizures. The only treatment for preeclampsia is the delivery of the baby.

Preeclampsia continues to be a bit of a mystery to medical professionals, who nonetheless take this condition very seriously. It is possible that it is caused by problems within a woman's immune system, a poor diet or blood-flow restrictions.

A combination of blood pressure monitoring and urine tests are used to screen for preeclampsia in pregnant women. You will, however, want to keep your eyes out for the symptoms that accompany this condition in order to receive proper medical attention as soon as possible. The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate preeclampsia. Any pregnant woman noticing any of these red flags should promptly contact her doctor:

• Severe and possibly constant headaches

• Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision

• Sudden rapid weight gain

• Pain in your upper abdomen

• Urinating less

• Nausea and vomiting