Understanding High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

In the United States, the overall maternal mortality rate is climbing, with high blood pressure a leading cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health condition that can become more critical during pregnancy,” says Dr. Evan Theoharis, Medical Director of Lee Physician Group Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Women should be aware of how high blood pressure can affect their health and babies before, during, and after pregnancy.”

Dr. Theoharis adds that with good blood pressure control, you and your baby are more likely to stay healthy. Read along to learn more about hypertension, its symptoms, and how regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and future well-being.

Types of high blood pressure

There are three main types of high blood pressure in pregnancy, according to Dr. Theoharis: chronic hypertension, regency-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia/eclampsia. 

• Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that was present before the person became pregnant. “Women with chronic hypertension should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition throughout pregnancy to avoid complications,” Dr. Theoharis says.
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension, also known as gestational hypertension, develops during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks. Dr. Theoharis notes that “Gestational hypertension isn’t present before pregnancy, but it can lead to serious issues if unmonitored or untreated.”
• Preeclampsia, which typically starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy, is characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. If untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a severe condition involving seizures, which is dangerous for both mother and baby, Dr. Theoharis cautions. 

Minimize the risks for you and your baby

In the United States, one in every 12 to 17 pregnant women develops high blood pressure. It's important to monitor blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy to lower risks associated with hypertension, both to mother and baby.

These risks include:

• For the mother: High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney problems. It can also lead to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage.
• For the baby: Babies may face risks such as premature birth, restricted growth, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies like heart defects or esophageal atresia.

Dr. Theoharis emphasizes that managing high blood pressure is crucial to minimizing these risks and ensuring a healthier outcome for both mother and baby.

Recognizing symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of high blood pressure is important due to the potential risks it poses for both the mother and the baby. Symptoms can include: 

• Unrelieved headaches, which persist despite over-the-counter pain relief
• Visual changes, such as blurred vision or seeing spots
• Sharp pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, known as epigastric pain
• Swelling or edema, particularly in the hands, feet, or face

“If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor,” Dr. Theoharis advises. 

Regular check-ups and treatments

Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential for effectively managing high blood pressure. Dr. Theoharis recommends:

• Blood pressure monitoring: Experts recommend checking your blood pressure twice daily to track any changes and ensure it stays within a safe range.
• Blood work: Routine blood tests help monitor your liver and kidney functions, which are crucial for identifying any issues early on.
• Fetal surveillance: Continuously monitoring your baby’s health through ultrasounds and other tests is important to ensure proper growth and development.
• Medications: If blood pressure remains high, your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive medications to manage the condition and prevent complications. 

Managing high blood pressure during pregnancy

The use of oral antihypertensive medications is an effective approach for the management of high blood pressure during pregnancy. These medications, specifically selected and prescribed by your doctor, can safely control your blood pressure without harming your developing baby. 

Also, if needed, Dr. Theoharis says Lee Health’s Remote Patient Monitoring Program (RPMP) can help monitor pregnant women at risk and provide early intervention. 

“This allows Lee Health clinicians to virtually track and monitor a patient’s health in real-time and intervene when needed to prevent worsening health conditions,” he says. 

READ: The Future is Now: How RPMP Advances Patient Care

“Our goal is to lower a community’s hospital admissions, readmissions, and unnecessary emergency room visits.”

Post-pregnancy health

Women who had high blood pressure during their pregnancy should be aware of potential long-term risks associated with the condition, Dr. Theoharis cautions. 

“Women with pregnancy-induced hypertension are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease at some point in their life,” he says, citing 2022 research funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. 

That report’s authors found that women who experienced complications related to hypertension during pregnancy had a 63 percent increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

“This study and others reinforce how important it is for mothers to maintain their health after pregnancy,” Dr. Theoharis says. 

He offers some tips to help you bounce back after pregnancy:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps manage weight and improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Eat healthfully: Eating a balanced diet supports blood pressure management and overall well-being.
• Keep annual check-ups: Regular blood pressure checks are crucial. Follow your doctor’s advice on ongoing treatment and management.
• Keep active: Start with light exercise, like walking or stretching, and build physical activity into your daily routine. Movement can help reduce aches and pains, improve your mood, and help you feel connected to others. 

Are you expecting?

If you’re pregnant, please call our office to schedule the appropriate prenatal services. If you’re an existing, non-pregnant patient, please schedule an appointment through MyChart or call 239-343-7130.

Lee Health offers education through YoMingo, a program that provides convenient access to valuable information. It includes the tools and support for every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

YoMingo gives you access to:

• Evidence-based education on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care
• Information specific to your arrival and stay at Cape Coral Hospital or HealthPark Medical Center
• Community health resources
• List of available classes and support groups
• Pregnancy milestones
• Kick counter
• Contraction timer
• Feeding log
• Personal journal

You can sign up for this education through your MyChart account.

Lee Health’s Family Birthing Suites

Lee Health’s spacious birthing suites at HealthPark Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital offer detailed, modern care from the moment you check in. 

Learn more about our birthing suites here.