High Blood Pressure And Pregnancy

Hypertension is not good for anyone but high blood pressure and pregnancy are a combination that could do harm to the fetus as well as the mom.

The relationship between high blood pressure and smoking has been well established. Smoking increases blood pressure in adults. How much depends on heredity and lifestyle. What's less well known is that a recent Dutch study showed that if a mom smoked during her pregnancy, her child had a significant higher blood pressure in the first months of their lives than babies born to moms that did not smoke. This implies that there is at least an indirect association between high blood pressure and pregnancy. And starting a baby out in life with high blood pressure is not what a pregnant mom should want to do.

Effects of Severe High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy on the Mom

Pregnancy itself can also cause the pregnant woman to develop high blood pressure. During pregnancy, 1 out of every 5 woman will develop hypertension of pregnancy or preeclampsia. One of its symptoms is a sharp rise in blood pressure and it happens mainly in first pregnancies. This type of high blood pressure can be very harmful to pregnant moms. It can harm the kidneys and other body organs. It can also have an effect on the fetus, sometimes causing a lower birth weight and possibly premature birth.

This type of high blood pressure can also impact the mom's kidney, liver, and brain. If hypertension of pregnancy progresses, it can develop into eclampsia, one of the main causes of death to pregnant moms in the U.S. This is the sort of situation which your doctor will have to monitor very diligently. Preeclampsia, if it occurs, typically it starts around the 20th week of the pregnancy.

If you notice sensitivity to light or abdominal pain, you need to have your urine checked for an increase in proteins which signifies preeclampsia. Other signs are dizziness and blurred vision which are also symptoms of high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure and are pregnant, you will have to consult with you doctor regarding the prevention of preeclampsia. This is a serious matter and need immediate attention.

It is also good to avoid drinking alcohol while you are pregnant since it is one cause of high blood pressure. Regular pre natal care must also be observed since you need to constantly check your health and also that of your child. High blood pressure and pregnancy can be managed well as long as you keep to your doctor's advice and follow instructions. Always tell your doctor of any discomfort you might have felt or are feeling and be vigilant of any changes of your diet and lifestyle. High blood pressure and pregnancy is a dangerous combination so be careful of your health and diet.

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