Hypertension in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hypertension can affect blood flow to the kidneys, liver, brain, placenta, and other organs. Possible types of hypertension include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational pregnancy. Treatment options involve bed rest, more frequent prenatal visits, and early delivery (after 36 weeks). 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.

 

Hypertension in Pregnancy: An Introduction

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure within your blood vessels is too high. This is also known as hypertension.
 
Pregnant women can develop hypertension just like women who are not pregnant. However, women who are pregnant can develop different types of hypertension, and their effects can differ.
 

Types of Pregnancy-Related Hypertension

Types of hypertension in pregnancy include:
 

What Causes It?

High
 blood pressure research scientists do not yet know the cause or causes of hypertension in pregnancy; however, they do know that it can affect blood flow to organs such as the:
 
  • Kidneys
  • Placenta
  • Liver
  • Retina
  • Brain.
     
(Hypertension in Pregnancy Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD