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High blood pressure during pregnancy

High blood pressure is a common problem with around one in five people in the UK suffering from it. However, when it comes to having a baby, whether you already have high blood pressure or develop it while you are pregnant, it needs to be handled with special care to avoid complications.

Chronic high blood pressure
If you have chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension as it is also known, and are planning to have a baby it is important to talk to your doctor before you conceive. You can have a perfectly healthy pregnancy, but because of the slightly greater risk of complications you will need to be closely monitored to make sure both you and your baby remain fit and well.

If you are on medication for high blood pressure your doctor may stop it before you become pregnant because some treatments can affect the development of your baby. There are certain medicines that can safely be taken during pregnancy so if you need to continue taking high blood pressure medication your doctor will advise you of the best course of action.

Throughout your pregnancy you will need to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Some women find it useful to buy a monitor to use at home so they can check their blood pressure levels themselves in between appointments – if you would like to do this discuss the details with your healthcare team first.

Gestational high blood pressure
Sometimes women who don’t have high blood pressure before they conceive can develop it through the course of their pregnancy or after they have delivered. Pregnancy induced high blood pressure, or gestational hypertension as it is sometimes known, is experienced by one in 20 pregnant women. If you develop high blood pressure it will be identified by your healthcare team at your regular check ups.

If your blood pressure rises by a small amount while you are pregnant and your urine contains no protein your blood pressure will be monitored and your doctor will treat it accordingly.

If your blood pressure rises by a large amount and your urine contains protein you may have pre-eclampsia, a condition that needs to be treated immediately to avoid further problems. It is likely you will be admitted to hospital for tests to assess your condition.

Can high blood pressure during pregnancy be treated?
There are a number of different ways to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy and your doctor will advise you on what treatment is best for you. Treatments could include:

- Prescribed rest and recommended changes to your lifestyle
- Changes to your diet, reducing salt and saturated fats
- Pregnancy-safe medication to lower your blood pressure

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure your doctor and midwife will closely monitor you throughout your pregnancy to make sure everything is OK. If there are any increases they will prescribe suitable treatment.

Can I avoid getting high blood pressure?
Although there is no guaranteed way of preventing high blood pressure during and immediately after pregnancy there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.

- Stop smoking and drinking
- Eat a healthy balanced diet low in saturated fats and salt and high in vegetables, fruit and vitamins
- Avoid stressful situations and take regular time to relax
- Take gentle exercise throughout your pregnancy

For further information on how to have a healthy pregnancy check out gurgle’s top ten tips here.

The Blood Pressure Association may be able to offer you further advice on monitoring and managing your high blood pressure, before, during and after pregnancy. Log onto www.bpassoc.org.uk for more information.