Hypertension in Pregnancy

Hypertension in Pregnancy

Pregnancy induced hypertension is the most common problem likely to happen during your pregnancy. In fact 2 or 3 percent pregnant women have Pregnancy induced hypertension.

Kelly Berry of Eugene, Oregon had Pregnancy induced hypertension during her fourth pregnancy. firstname found out on her fifth prenatal checkup.

As she found out, first pregnancy, a new sexual partner, being a member of a black race, and time since your last pregnancy of less than 2 years or more than 10 years make it more likely to have Pregnancy induced hypertension.

Other risk factors for Pregnancy induced hypertension are chronic hypertension, systemic lupus erythematosus, renal disease, secondary causes of chronic hypertension like hyperaldosteronism,  preexisting diabetes, type 2 and obesity.

Pregnancy induced hypertension might not cause any symptoms. But, it can cause visual disturbances like scintillations (flashes of light) and scotomata (blind spots) - probably from spasm of cerebral arteries, headache, rapidly increasing swelling of the legs and rapid weight gain. Upper abdominal pain might suddenly occur and is usually constant and fairly severe. Headaches are often in the front, throbbing and similar to migrane headaches.

The danger of Pregnancy induced hypertension is that it can cause thromboembolism (blood clots), heart problems, two dangerous problems with blood clots called disseminated intravascular coagulation and consumptive coagulopathy, placental abruption where the placenta detaches from the uterus and even death of the mother. In fact, from 1991 to 1999 over 15% of the deaths of women during pregnancy were caused by Pregnancy induced hypertension.

There are three types of Pregnancy induced hypertension: Chronic Hypertension, Preeclampsia and Transient hypertension.

Chronic Hypertension

Most of the time chronic hypertension has no other cause. But, it can be caused by kidney disease like polycystic kidneys, glomerular or interstitial disease, hormone problems such as adrenocorticosteroid or mineralocorticoid excess, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, too much growth hormone or even using oral contraceptives.

Preeclampsia

Nobody knows for sure what causes preeclampsia. One thing that we know is that it is caused by a problem with the inside lining of the blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to spasm. When the arteries get smaller, the blood pressure increases. The damage also causes the blood vessels to leak causing swelling. It can cause problems with the brain, lungs and kidneys. These changes also can cause lower blood flow to the growing baby.

Transient hypertension

The elevated blood pressure called transient hypertension just happens late in pregnancy. Then after delivery, the blood pressure goes back to normal. But, it probably increases your chances of getting high blood pressure later in life.

Pregnancy induced hypertension is one of the major reasons that you should keep your regular appointments with your regular doctor.

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