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.
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