Find out “High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Linked To Adverse Perinatal Outcomes” – High blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, such as preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), neonatal admission, and low Apgar scores.
A recent cohort study, the TMM BirThree Cohort Study, found that both uncontrolled and high blood pressure during pregnancy were linked to increased risks of low birth weight and neonatal admission.
Key findings from the study include:
Uncontrolled and high blood pressure during pregnancy were associated with increased risks of low birth weight and neonatal admission.
High blood pressure during pregnancy was also found to be associated with a higher risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Effective blood pressure management is crucial during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes, as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg in pregnant women is essential for preventing adverse perinatal outcomes.
Types of High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
Gestational Hypertension: This is high blood pressure that develops for the first time during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks. While it usually resolves after delivery, it can increase the risk of developing chronic hypertension later in life.
Preeclampsia: This is a more serious condition that involves high blood pressure along with protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage, such as severe headaches, vision changes, or abdominal pain. Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby, including: Placental abruption: When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, cutting off vital oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Preterm birth: The baby being born too early. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): The baby not growing and developing properly in the womb.
Eclampsia: A life-threatening condition where the mother experiences seizures due to preeclampsia.
Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure
For the baby: Increased risk of low birth weight, premature birth, IUGR, breathing problems, and long-term health problems.
For the mother: Increased risk of preeclampsia, eclampsia, placenta abruption, stroke, and HELLP syndrome (a serious complication characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count).
Symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy
High blood pressure during pregnancy may not always have symptoms, but some warning signs can be present with preeclampsia. Symptoms of preeclampsia include
- High blood pressure
- Too much protein in your urine (called proteinuria)
- Swelling in your face, hands, and feet
- Painful headaches
- Blurred vision or temporary loss of vision
- Light sensitivity
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, under the ribcage
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath, typically caused by fluid in the lungs
- Blood in the urine
- Severe stomach pain
- Seizures
It is important to talk to a doctor about any symptoms or concerns during pregnancy, as high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening complications.
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