What is gestational hypertension?Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 3 in 50 pregnancies. Show
This condition is different from chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension happens when a woman has high blood pressure before she gets pregnant. It’s also different from preeclampsia and eclampsia. These are other blood pressure problems in pregnancy. Gestational hypertension often starts in the second half of pregnancy. It normally goes away after your baby is born. What causes gestational hypertension?Healthcare providers don't know what causes this condition. The following things may increase your risk:
What are the symptoms of gestational hypertension?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each pregnancy. The main symptom is high blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy. But some women don’t have any symptoms. High blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to other serious issues. These can include preeclampsia. You should watch for signs of high blood pressure. They can include:
How is gestational hypertension diagnosed?If your blood pressure increases, your healthcare provider may diagnose you with this condition. You may also have the following tests to check for this issue:
How is gestational hypertension treated?Blood pressure monitoringYour healthcare provider may check your blood pressure more often. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms. Fetal monitoringYour healthcare provider may do tests to check the health of your baby. These tests may include:
Lab testingYour healthcare provider may test your urine and blood at every prenatal checkup. This testing will tell if your condition is getting worse. MedicineYour healthcare provider may give you corticosteroids. These medicines can help your baby’s lungs mature. You’ll get these medicines if it looks like your baby is going to be born early. What are possible complications of gestational hypertension?High blood pressure can affect your blood vessels. It may decrease blood flow in your liver, kidneys, brain, uterus, and placenta. This condition can get worse. It can lead to preeclampsia and eclampsia. These are serious blood pressure problems. These issues can cause the following problems:
Because of these risks, your healthcare provider may decide that you need to have your baby early. This may happen before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Even if your blood pressure goes back to normal after childbirth, you have a higher chance of having high blood pressure in the future. Can gestational hypertension be prevented?Having this issue diagnosed and treated early may help reduce your risk for complications. That's why it’s important to go to your prenatal checkups. Doing so may keep your condition from getting worse. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider right away if you have signs of high blood pressure. Symptoms can include a headache that doesn’t go away, blurred or double vision, swelling, or making less urine than normal. Key points about gestational hypertension
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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