Welcome to our weekly Health Diaries column, where we explore a range of health-related topics and simplify complex medical concepts for our readers.
One of the most serious medical conditions that can develop during pregnancy is hypertension, or high blood pressure. When not detected and managed early, it can threaten the lives of both mother and baby.
Hypertension in pregnancy occurs when a pregnant woman’s blood pressure rises above normal levels. It may present in different forms. Some women have chronic hypertension, meaning they had high blood pressure before pregnancy. Others develop gestational hypertension, which appears after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A more dangerous condition, called pre-eclampsia, occurs when high blood pressure is accompanied by signs of organ involvement, such as protein in the urine, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or swelling of the hands and face.
Blood pressure checks during routine appointments are not merely a formality — they are life-saving screenings. Symptoms that should never be ignored include persistent headaches, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, reduced urine output, or reduced foetal movements.
Hypertension in pregnancy can lead to serious complications. For the mother, risks include stroke, seizures (eclampsia), organ failure, and excessive bleeding. For the baby, high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the placenta, leading to poor growth, premature birth, low birth weight, or even stillbirth. Early detection significantly reduces these risks.
Prevention and early management are key. Women should begin antenatal care as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Those with risk factors — such as a first pregnancy, multiple pregnancy (twins), obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, or a previous history of hypertension in pregnancy — require closer monitoring. A balanced diet, reduced salt intake, regular gentle physical activity as advised by a healthcare professional, and adherence to prescribed medication all play an important role.
It is crucial to understand that hypertension in pregnancy is not caused by stress alone, nor is it something that can be safely managed with home remedies. Proper medical supervision is necessary. In some cases, early delivery may be recommended if the condition becomes severe and threatens the health of the mother or baby.
Family support is also vital. Pregnant women should be encouraged to attend clinic appointments, take their medication as prescribed and report warning symptoms promptly.
