Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension– This is a medical condition in females in which there is observation of persistent high blood pressure after approximately 20 weeks into pregnancy resulting in variety of symptoms and complications during pregnancy.
What Is Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension?
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, which is also known by the name of Gestational Hypertension, is a medical condition in which there is persistent high blood pressure at the time of pregnancy. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension can cause a potentially serious medical condition called Preeclampsia. Around 10% of pregnant females suffer from Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension.
Who Is At Risk For Developing Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension?
The Following Individuals Are At Increased Risk For Developing Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension:
- First pregnancy
- Females with siblings or mother affected with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension
- Females with more than one baby
- Females of the age group 20-40
- Females with a history of hypertension or renal dysfunction prior to pregnancy
Symptoms Of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension
- Sudden progressive weight gain
- Hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Swelling of the face and extremities; swelling is a common phenomenon in pregnancy but if it is accompanied by the symptoms mentioned then it can be due to Gestational Hypertension
- Abdominal pain
- Severe headaches
- Reflexes changes
- Reduced urinary output
- Hematuria
- Frequent bouts of dizziness
- Excessive nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension
In case if a pregnant female has the above mentioned symptoms, then the physician may order blood tests to look for proteinuria and other abnormal results. If there is a suspicion of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension, then a non-stress test may be done to observe the heart rate of the baby.
Treatment For Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension
Treatment of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension is dependent on the date of delivery. If the delivery date is pretty close and the development of the baby is normal then an earlier delivery can be considered. In case of the baby has not fully developed then the following treatments can be done:
- Adequate rest making sure to lie on the left side to take pressure off of major blood vessels due to the fetus
- Increased frequency of prenatal checkup
- Salt restriction
- Increased water consumption
Prevention Of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Or Gestational Hypertension
At present, there is no clear cut way to prevent hypertension except adequate diet and exercise. Some preventive measures for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Gestational Hypertension are:
- Using minimum salt if possible
- Adequate water consumption
- Increased protein intake
- Taking adequate rest
- Regular exercise
- Strict avoidance of alcohol
- Avoiding caffeine intake.
Also Read:
- What Happens if WBC Count is High in Pregnancy?
- Masked Hypertension (MH): Overview, Causes, Difference between MH and White Coat Hypertension, Identifying MH Patients, Patient Management
- How to Manage High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy?
- Can High Blood Pressure Cause Nosebleeds?
- How Can We Control Our High Blood Pressure?
