The High blood pressure during pregnancy High blood pressure can be caused by various factors; some women may have pre-existing high blood pressure, while others may develop it during pregnancy. This article explains the different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy and why early detection is so important.
What is blood pressure?
To understand the implications of high blood pressure during pregnancy, we must first know what blood pressure (BP) is; force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels as they circulate through them. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and two numbers are used to express it:
- Systolic blood pressure (popularly known as "the high"): refers to the maximum pressure exerted by the heart during the heartbeat.
- Diastolic blood pressure (popularly known as “the low”):It reflects the pressure in the arteries between one heartbeat and the next.
When these values are higher than normal, it indicates high blood pressure or hypertension. Besides being a cardiovascular risk factor, it is a disease in itself, as it can affect vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Hypertension in pregnancy
It is estimated that hypertension affects approximately 101% of pregnancies worldwide, making it one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both mothers and newborns.
The tests during pregnancy These tests are numerous and serve to monitor both the mother's health and the health and development of the unborn baby. Blood pressure is routinely measured during the various checkups that take place throughout pregnancy. The goal is to detect variations early that could pose risks, and thus be able to manage them.
Hypertension can be linked to various causes and therefore the associated complications can vary, but there are studies They point out that, regardless of the type, having high blood pressure during pregnancy carries a greater risk of developing chronic hypertension throughout life, as well as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, which are also cardiovascular risk factors.
During a normal pregnancy, blood pressure gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point between weeks 16 and 20 of gestation. This decrease affects both systolic and diastolic pressure, although the drop in diastolic pressure is greater. From the middle of the third trimester onward, blood pressure begins to rise again, eventually reaching levels close to those prior to pregnancy.
But what values are used to diagnose high blood pressure during pregnancy? It is usually necessary to obtain the following values in two or more consecutive readings, separated by a period of 6 hours:
- Blood pressure systolic equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg I
- Blood pressure diastolic equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg.
Furthermore, for the blood pressure measurement to be correct, it must be taken following a series of considerations:
- Use appropriately sized devices (sphygmomanometer and cuff)
- Measure on the right arm
- The woman should be seated and should have rested for a few minutes beforehand.
- Take a second measurement after about 20 minutes
As we mentioned earlier, high blood pressure during pregnancy can have various causes and therefore requires specific management. Below, we explain the different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy.
Types of high blood pressure in pregnancy
There are different types of hypertension during pregnancy, primarily depending on whether elevated blood pressure was present before pregnancy. The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) establishes four categories:
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Gestational or pregnancy hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia
The main risk factors associated with elevated blood pressure are advanced age, primiparity, multiple pregnancy, and a history of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Chronic high blood pressure
Those women who have hypertension before becoming pregnant or those in whom hypertension is detected before the 20th week of pregnancy They are diagnosed with chronic hypertension.
Furthermore, if hypertension is detected after week 20, but persists 12 weeks postpartum This type of hypertension is also diagnosed in women.
It usually affects the third trimester of pregnancy and is more common in women with obesity and/or women over 35-40 years of age. As we explained in the article, Pregnancy at 40: What you should know., With age there are more risks of complications during pregnancy.
In most cases of chronic hypertension during pregnancy, the pregnancy itself presents no risks, except for the tendency for the baby to have a low birth weight. When complications arise, the main ones are:
- premature placental abruption
- baby's prematurity
- intrauterine growth retardation
- breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, pregnant women with chronic hypertension may develop superimposed or added preeclampsia, This occurs in 20-251% of cases, with early onset in half of them. These cases have a worse maternal and fetal prognosis, so it is important to detect it as soon as possible.
Gestational hypertension
This type of high blood pressure in pregnancy is the most common and is estimated to affect around 5-91% of pregnant women. after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who had never previously had hypertension without other clinical signs.
Gestational hypertension usually improves without complications, although the risk of complications depends on the gestational age at which it occurs. In approximately 25% of cases, pregnant women develop preeclampsia. While they generally do not require immediate treatment, close monitoring of blood pressure is always necessary.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia originates when there is an alteration in the uteroplacental junction during embryonic development, and the arrival of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus is limited.
The reason why this alteration occurs is unknown, but ultimately it leads to the most characteristic symptoms of preeclampsia: high blood pressure and the appearance of protein in the urine (proteinuria).
Preeclampsia is considered a syndrome that can present with a wide variety of clinical features. In addition to high blood pressure and proteinuria, other symptoms may include edema, rapid weight gain, headache, nausea, and decreased fetal movement. We distinguish between two types of preeclampsia:
- Early preeclampsia, which is a more serious form of this pathology. It usually appears between the weeks 20 and 34 of gestation.
- Late preeclampsia, which is the most common and appears from the week 37.
Preeclampsia affects approximately 2-8% of pregnancies; most affected women do not experience severe symptoms. A small percentage may develop eclampsia or HELLP syndrome.
Eclampsia
The eclampsia It is a more severe form of preeclampsia in which seizures occur in the pregnant woman. Another, even more severe complication is called HELLP syndrome It is characterized by the presence of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia. These severe cases of preeclampsia are associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and in extreme cases can pose a danger to the life of both the mother and the fetus.
Factors that increase the risk of developing preeclampsia include:
- Age: first-time pregnant women under 20 years of age or pregnant women of advanced age.
- Women who have already had preeclampsia in previous pregnanciesThey have a 10% probability of suffering from it again, a figure that increases to 40% if the preeclampsia was associated with HELLP syndrome, or if the first preeclampsia appeared very early in pregnancy.
- Family history of preeclampsia in both members of the couple.
- Pregnant women with chronic hypertension o pregestational diabetes.
Managing high blood pressure in pregnancy
As you've seen, there are several types of high blood pressure during pregnancy, so its management will depend on the type and the underlying cause. In some cases, the specialist may recommend lifestyle changes, while in others, medication may be necessary. In the case of preeclampsia, Since high blood pressure affects both the mother and the fetus, treatment may involve inducing premature labor. Regardless of the specific type of hypertension, the specialist will always determine the best course of action, taking into account the pregnant woman's health and fetal development.
For this reason, it is essential to attend all prenatal checkups to detect high blood pressure or other complications during pregnancy as early as possible, ensuring appropriate medical management. After all, healthcare begins even before birth.
Are you pregnant and want to take care of your future baby's health from the very beginning? Discover myPrenatal of Veritas, he most comprehensive non-invasive prenatal test, With this test, starting from week 10 of pregnancy, you can find out the sex of your future baby, as well as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Request a test. more information and our team will answer all your questions.
The High blood pressure during pregnancy High blood pressure can be caused by various factors; some women may have pre-existing high blood pressure, while others may develop it during pregnancy. This article explains the different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy and why early detection is so important.
What is blood pressure?
To understand the implications of high blood pressure during pregnancy, it's important to first know that blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels as they circulate through them. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and two numbers are used to express it:
- Systolic blood pressure (popularly known as "the high"): refers to the maximum pressure exerted by the heart during the heartbeat.
- Diastolic blood pressure (popularly known as “the low”):It reflects the pressure in the arteries between one heartbeat and the next.
When these values are higher than normal, it's because there is high voltage or hypertension. In addition to being a cardiovascular risk factor, it is a pathology in itself since it can affect vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Hypertension
It is estimated that hypertension affects approximately 101% of pregnancies worldwide, making it one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both mothers and newborns.
The tests during pregnancy These tests are numerous and serve to monitor both the mother's health and the health and development of the unborn baby. Blood pressure is routinely measured during the various checkups that take place throughout pregnancy. The goal is to detect variations early that could pose risks, and thus be able to manage them.
Hypertension in pregnancy
Hypertension can be linked to various causes and therefore the associated complications can vary, but there are studies They point out that, regardless of the type, having high blood pressure during pregnancy carries a greater risk of developing chronic hypertension throughout life, as well as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, which are also cardiovascular risk factors.
During a normal pregnancy, blood pressure gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point between weeks 16 and 20 of gestation. This decrease affects both systolic and diastolic pressure, although the drop in diastolic pressure is greater. From the middle of the third trimester onward, blood pressure begins to rise again, eventually reaching levels close to those prior to pregnancy.
But what values are used to diagnose high blood pressure during pregnancy?
It is usually necessary to obtain the following values in two or more consecutive readings, separated by a period of 6 hours:
- Blood pressure systolic equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg I
- Blood pressure diastolic equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg.
Furthermore, for the blood pressure measurement to be correct, it must be taken following a series of considerations:
- Use appropriately sized devices (sphygmomanometer and cuff)
- Measure on the right arm
- The woman should be seated and should have rested for a few minutes beforehand.
- Take a second measurement after about 20 minutes
As we mentioned earlier, high blood pressure during pregnancy can have various causes and therefore requires specific management. Below, we explain the different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy.
Types of high blood pressure in pregnancy
There are different types of hypertension during pregnancy, primarily depending on whether elevated blood pressure was present before pregnancy. The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) establishes four categories:
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Gestational or pregnancy hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia
The main risk factors associated with elevated blood pressure are advanced age, primiparity, multiple pregnancy, and a history of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Chronic high blood pressure
Those women who have hypertension before becoming pregnant or those in whom hypertension is detected before the 20th week of pregnancy They are diagnosed with chronic hypertension. Furthermore, if hypertension is detected after week 20 but persists 12 weeks postpartum This type of hypertension is also diagnosed in women.
It usually affects the third trimester of pregnancy and is more common in women with obesity and/or women over 35-40 years of age. As we explained in the article, Pregnancy at 40: What you should know.,With age there are more risks of complications during pregnancy.
In most cases of chronic hypertension during pregnancy, the pregnancy itself presents no risks, except for the tendency for the baby to have a low birth weight. When complications arise, the main ones are:
- premature placental abruption
- baby's prematurity
- intrauterine growth retardation
- breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, pregnant women with chronic hypertension may develop superimposed or added preeclampsia, This occurs in 20-251% of cases, with early onset in half of them. These cases have a worse maternal and fetal prognosis, so it is important to detect it as soon as possible.
Gestational hypertension
This type of high blood pressure in pregnancy is the most common and is estimated to affect around 5-91% of pregnant women. after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who had never previously had hypertension without other clinical signs.
Gestational hypertension usually improves without complications, although the risk of complications depends on the gestational age at which it occurs. In approximately 25% of cases, pregnant women develop preeclampsia. While they generally do not require immediate treatment, close monitoring of blood pressure is always necessary.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia occurs when there is a disruption in the uteroplacental junction during embryonic development, limiting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The reason for this disruption is unknown, but it ultimately leads to the most characteristic symptoms of preeclampsia: high blood pressure and protein in the urine (proteinuria).
Preeclampsia is considered a syndrome that can present with a wide variety of clinical features. In addition to high blood pressure and proteinuria, other symptoms may include edema, rapid weight gain, headache, nausea, and decreased fetal movement. We distinguish between two types of preeclampsia:
- Early preeclampsia, which is a more serious form of this pathology. It usually appears between the weeks 20 and 34 of gestation.
- Late preeclampsia, which is the most common and appears from the week 37.
Preeclampsia affects around 2-81% of pregnancies; most affected women do not suffer severe symptoms, but a small percentage may develop eclampsia or HELLP syndrome.
Eclampsia
The eclampsia It is a more severe form of preeclampsia in which seizures occur in the pregnant woman. Another, even more severe complication is called HELLP syndrome It is characterized by the presence of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia. These severe cases of preeclampsia are associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and in extreme cases can pose a danger to the life of both the mother and the fetus.
Factors that increase the risk of developing preeclampsia include:
- Age: first-time pregnant women under 20 years of age or pregnant women of advanced age.
- Women who have already had preeclampsia in previous pregnanciesThey have a 10% probability of suffering from it again, a figure that increases to 40% if the preeclampsia was associated with HELLP syndrome, or if the first preeclampsia appeared very early in pregnancy.
- Family history of preeclampsia in both members of the couple.
- Pregnant women with chronic hypertension o pregestational diabetes.
Managing high blood pressure in pregnancy
As you've seen, there are several types of high blood pressure during pregnancy, so its management will depend on the type and the underlying cause. In some cases, the specialist may recommend lifestyle changes, while in others, medication may be necessary. In the case of preeclampsia, Since high blood pressure affects both the mother and the fetus, treatment may involve inducing premature labor. Regardless of the specific type of hypertension, the specialist will always determine the best course of action, taking into account the pregnant woman's health and fetal development.
For this reason, it is essential to attend all prenatal checkups to detect high blood pressure or other complications during pregnancy as early as possible, ensuring appropriate medical management. After all, healthcare begins even before birth.
Are you pregnant and want to take care of your future baby's health from the very beginning? Discover Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing of zogen, With this test, starting from week 10 of pregnancy, you can find out the sex of your future baby, as well as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Request a test. more information and our team will answer all your questions.
