The effects of
high blood pressure during pregnancy vary, depending on the disorder and other factors. For example,
preeclampsia does not, in general, increase a woman's risk for developing chronic
hypertension or other heart-related problems. Also, in women with
normal blood pressure who develop preeclampsia after the 20th week of their first pregnancy, short-term complications -- including increased
blood pressure -- usually go away within about six weeks after delivery.
Some women, however, may be more likely to develop hypertension or other forms of
heart disease later in life. More
hypertension research is needed to determine the long-term health
effects of high blood pressure during pregnancy and to develop better methods for identifying, diagnosing, and treating women at risk for these conditions.
Final Thoughts on Pregnancy and Hypertension
Even though
high blood pressure and related disorders can be serious, most women with high blood pressure during pregnancy (and those who develop preeclampsia) have successful pregnancies. Obtaining early and regular
prenatal care is the most important thing you can do for you and your baby.
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