Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy

How to deal with this condition

Chronic hypertension during pregnancy is something that you need to take seriously. Hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure, is something that many women experience and it can make their pregnancies more difficult to deal with. 

The truth of the matter is that many women experience the condition known as chronic hypertension during their pregnancy. It is defined as the hypertension that exists before the pregnancy and then persists during it. While it is common, it is still a very serious matter.

When your systolic blood pressure rises thirty points or more and when your diastolic blood pressure rises fifteen points or more over what is considered normal, you are going to be at risk for high blood pressure during your pregnancy. This can become an issue if it is sustained over the course of your pregnancy. Mothers-to-be under seventeen or over the age of thirty-five are more at risk, as are mothers who have a history of high blood pressure. Being overweight, smoking and having issues with nutrition can also be contributing factors.

Remember that chronic hypertension is something that can have a severe effect on your body, and when you think about the fact that your body is already under stress from pregnancy, you can see why care is needed. Start by being careful about your salt intake and also think about how to manage your stress, which can contribute to this issue. Similarly, remember that care should be taken after the pregnancy as well, to ensure your health.

Because the effects from chronic hypertension during pregnancy can be severe and it can affect both the mother and the baby, regular monitoring and management are essential. If you have been dealing with hypertension before your pregnancy, antihypertensive medication can still be taken, though the doctor might switch you to something that is more mild.


Similarly, laboratory tests may be regularly preformed in order to check on substances in the blood and urine that are related to the condition. A test to measure fetal heart rate and fetal movement might be essential, and a biophysical profile might be compiled as well.

Above all, it is essential to make sure that you are regularly monitoring your own blood pressure and that you consult with your OBGYN on a regular basis. If you are concerned that having your blood pressure taken in a doctor's office might artificially inflate it, consider taking it yourself, either through equipment that you purchase or simply by checking it whenever you go to a pharmacy or any other place that has the capability.

Hypertension is often a part of pregnancy, so make sure that you stay in contact with a medical professional regarding it.






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