What Causes High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

September 8, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension, can have various causes and risk factors. It’s essential to monitor and manage high blood pressure during pregnancy as it can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to high blood pressure during pregnancy:

  1. Preexisting Hypertension: Some pregnant individuals may have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant. This is referred to as chronic hypertension. If a woman with chronic hypertension becomes pregnant, she may continue to have high blood pressure during pregnancy, and it may require careful management.
  2. Gestational Hypertension: In some cases, high blood pressure develops during pregnancy, typically after the 20th week, and there is no prior history of hypertension. This is known as gestational hypertension. The exact cause of gestational hypertension is not always clear, but it is believed to be related to changes in the circulatory system or placental factors.
  3. Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a potentially serious condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure, along with other signs of organ dysfunction, such as protein in the urine (proteinuria). The exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve problems with the placenta.
  4. Chronic Kidney Disease: Individuals with preexisting kidney disease may be at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
  5. Multiple Pregnancy: Women carrying twins or higher-order multiples are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
  6. Age: Women who are very young (under 20) or older (over 35) may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
  7. Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure during pregnancy, as it increases the overall strain on the cardiovascular system.
  8. First Pregnancy: Women experiencing their first pregnancy may have a higher risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
  9. Family History: A family history of hypertension or preeclampsia may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
  10. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Monitoring blood pressure during prenatal care is an essential part of managing and detecting high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and placental problems. Therefore, healthcare providers closely monitor blood pressure and may recommend lifestyle modifications, medications, or early delivery in cases of severe hypertension or preeclampsia to protect the health of both the pregnant individual and the baby.

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