
Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents-to-be, but it can also be a time of great physical and emotional changes in the expecting mother.
One of the health concerns that can arise during pregnancy is high blood pressure or preeclampsia. High blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries builds up to levels greater than normal.
Hypertension during pregnancy or preeclampsia, is a complication of pregnancy characterised by:
Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure was previously normal. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby.
Besides preeclampsia, there are three other high blood pressure disorders can occur during pregnancy:
Several factors have been identified as risk factors for preeclampsia:
Postpartum preeclampsia is similar to preeclampsia but starts only after your baby is delivered. It usually begins within 48 hours of giving birth until 6 weeks after delivery. Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia are similar to preeclampsia.
Many women with preeclampsia do not have distinct symptoms of hypertension and may not be aware of the condition. Therefore, prenatal visits to screen for hypertension are scheduled frequently.
Symptoms include:
Signs of severe preeclampsia include:
Women with preeclampsia are also likely to present with protein in their urine, abnormal liver enzymes and low platelet levels. Hence, your doctor would request urine and blood tests to look for these signs.
Preeclampsia, if left untreated, may cause complications for the baby in the womb, such as:
HELLP Syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when there is damage to the liver and blood cells. It is a medical emergency characterised by:
If the blood pressure rises to very high levels and persists, seizures or fits can occur. However, eclampsia can occur without any prior preeclamptic signs or symptoms.
In this condition, the placenta may tear away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This can occur if the blood vessels leading to the placenta rupture due to high blood pressure and cause heavy bleeding.
Preeclampsia may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart disease) in the future.
Severe preeclampsia can be fatal to the mother and baby. The most effective treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. After delivery, the mother’s blood pressure usually returns to normal.
In general, if the mother is well nourished, follows the doctor’s advice about bed rest, and if her blood pressure is controlled within normal range, the baby should not be affected.
At the hospital, the mother and baby would be monitored:
Medications are also recommended as they help lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke in the mother.
Each pregnancy is unique. Regular prenatal appointments and open communication with your doctor are crucial for monitoring your health and addressing any concerns throughout pregnancy.
A dedicated and expert team of specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide patients with the best care and assistance. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.