High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy: How To Keep You And Your Baby Healthy

Pregnancy is an exciting time that’s full of unexpected joys. But sometimes it can bring unexpected health concerns. One of the most common issues is high blood pressure.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can affect mom and baby. It may also raise the risk of heart disease later in life. But the good news is that with the right care and support, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies.

Read on to learn what causes high blood pressure in pregnancy, the risks to watch for and how you can protect your long-term heart health.

Key Takeaways: Pregnancy And High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions during pregnancy.
• Manage blood pressure to help avoid complications for mother and baby.
• Some pregnancy-related conditions may raise the risk of heart disease later in life.
• Early care, regular monitoring and a team-based approach can help support a healthy pregnancy.

What Is High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, happens when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high.

During pregnancy, high blood pressure can begin in different ways. Some women have it before pregnancy, while others develop it during pregnancy.

“Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the most important conditions we look for today,” said Stephen Cook, MD, cardiovascular and congenital heart disease specialist at Franciscan Health Indiana Heart Physicians in Indianapolis. “They are now recognized as risk factors for heart disease later in life.”

Types Of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Several types of high blood pressure can occur during pregnancy:

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition. It involves high blood pressure along with signs of organ stress, such as protein in the urine.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia happens when preeclampsia severely progresses. It can cause seizures and requires medical care right away.

Chronic hypertension

This is high blood pressure that starts before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of pregnancy. It may continue after the baby is born.

Gestational hypertension

This type develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery.

“Hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia can increase the lifetime risk of heart disease by two to four times,” said Dr. Cook.

Why High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy Matters

High blood pressure during pregnancy is more than an issue that will go away after the baby is born. It can affect your health now and in the future.

Risks for the mother

• Damage to the kidneys or other organs
• Increased risk of stroke
• Higher risk of developing heart disease later in life

Risks for the baby

• Low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Placental complications

Your care team’s focus is to make sure your pregnancy goes smoothly. But the team will also be mindful that high blood pressure can be an early warning sign of future heart disease.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Heart

Pregnancy places extra demands on your body, especially your heart. “Pregnancy is often described as a stress test for the heart,” Dr. Cook said.

During pregnancy:

• Blood volume greatly increases
• Heart rate rises
• Hormonal changes affect fluid levels

These changes are normal. Still, they can be harder on your body if you already have heart disease or high blood pressure.

Women Who May Be At Risk For High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

High blood pressure can affect women of all ages and not just older adults. It’s one of the most common preexisting conditions seen in pregnancy. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Had high blood pressure before pregnancy
• Have a family history of high blood pressure
• Are pregnant under age 20 or over age 35
• Have type 2 diabetes or kidney disease
• Are overweight or have obesity

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, even though their blood pressure had been normal up to that point. That’s why it’s so important to get regular prenatal care.

Signs And Symptoms To Watch For

High blood pressure doesn’t always cause clear symptoms. One reason regular prenatal visits are so important is to monitor your blood pressure. Some warning signs may include:

• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the hands or face
• Vision changes

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

What To Do If You Have High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

The most important step you can take is to work closely with your care team. “Successful care really comes down to a multidisciplinary approach,” Dr. Cook explained. This means your care may include:

• Your OBGYN
• A heart specialist (cardiologist)
• Other specialists, based on your needs

The Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Franciscan Health offers a full spectrum of care for women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or have recently delivered. This includes:

• Preconception counseling and risk assessment
• Labor and delivery planning with heart health in mind
• Postpartum care and long-term prevention
• Education and support for conditions like:

• Arrhythmias
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart disease
• Valvular disease

Together, your care team will monitor your blood pressure, adjust your medicines if needed and create a plan for the safe delivery of your baby.

How To Manage High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Here are some of the ways you can manage your blood pressure during pregnancy:

• Keep all prenatal appointments
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed
• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet
• Stay physically active if your provider advises it
• Limit salt intake
• Monitor your blood pressure at home if your doctor recommends it

Always talk with your doctor before you change your medicines or any part of your daily routine.

What Happens After Pregnancy?

Many women are surprised to learn that high blood pressure during pregnancy can affect their health years later.

Women who have conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension during their pregnancies may have a higher risk of:

• Chronic high blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke

If you have a hypertensive diagnosis during pregnancy, it isn’t a random event. Think of it as a warning sign and a chance for a cardio-obstetrics care team to step in and help early. It’s why having follow-up care after delivery, which is sometimes called the “fourth trimester,” is so important.

When To Talk To Your Doctor

Talk to your provider if you:

• Have a history of high blood pressure
• Plan to become pregnant
• Notice symptoms like headaches, swelling or vision changes
• Had high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy

Early care can make a big difference in your pregnancy and your long-term health.

Here To Support Your Future Heart Health, Too

Pregnancy can give your care team important insights about your heart health, so work with them. But also stay informed and make healthy lifestyle choices. Those are important ways you can lower your risk of future heart disease.

At Franciscan Health, our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from pregnancy through long-term heart care. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant and have concerns about high blood pressure, talk with your doctor.

Our women’s health and heart care teams at Franciscan Health work together to support you and your baby before, during and after pregnancy. Find a provider near you.