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7 questions answered and care for high blood pressure in pregnancy

High blood pressure in pregnancy can pose risks to the health of the pregnant woman and harm the healthy development of the baby. Mainly because, most of the time, the symptoms are silent. To clear up doubts on the subject, we talked to gynecologist and obstetrician Ana Flávia Araújo (CRM-SP 128883), who explained about the symptoms, how to care for and prevent. Follow the article!

Is it normal to have high blood pressure during pregnancy?

According to information from the obstetrician, “the data are quite controversial, but an incidence of 5-10% of all pregnancies is believed. And, of these cases, 25% may have complications secondary to gestational hypertension (preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome).”

Symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy

“In general, high blood pressure tends to be asymptomatic most of the time. However, it can present symptoms that can be an important warning during pregnancy”, informs Ana Flávia. See below for these symptoms:

  • Headache (headache)
  • Edema
  • Blood pressure above 140x90mmHg
  • Blurry vision

When the symptoms mentioned above are detected, it is important to consult an obstetrician as soon as possible to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Is it dangerous to have high blood pressure in pregnancy?

“Yea. According to the UN (WHO, 2011), gestational hypertensive disorders are important causes of severe morbidity, long-term disability and maternal and perinatal mortality”, informs Ana Flávia (1).

How to treat and prevent high blood pressure in pregnancy

We know that care during pregnancy should be redoubled, check out some important guidelines to avoid high blood pressure during this period:

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1. Obesity control

“Obesity (BMI >30) is the most important risk factor for both gestational hypertension and its complications (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). Therefore, starting the pregnancy with a weight considered eutrophic can reduce the risk”, advises Ana Flávia.

2. Weight control during pregnancy

For the obstetrician to gain adequate weight during pregnancy, as expected for her initial pregnancy BMI, she can avoid high blood pressure during this period.

3. Practice physical activity

The professional advises that to avoid high blood pressure in pregnancy it is important to “perform physical activity during pregnancy and always under medical supervision.”

4. Food care

It is essential to maintain a balanced diet during the gestational period for the health of the mother and the full development of the baby. In addition, according to the obstetrician’s guidance, “a diet rich in calcium helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia, which are more frequent in hypertensive patients.”

Following the guidelines and following up with the obstetrician is essential to have a peaceful and healthy pregnancy.

Questions about high blood pressure in pregnancy

Next, the obstetrician answers the main questions about high blood pressure in pregnancy. Follow:

What is normal blood pressure for a pregnant woman?

“The definition of gestational hypertension is the presence of pressure levels above 140x90mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy and that persist until 6 weeks postpartum”, explains Ana Flávia.

Can hereditary factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure in pregnancy?

According to the obstetrician, “for gestational hypertension there seems to be no hereditary factors involved, but studies show that, in cases of complications of gestational hypertension (preeclampsia and eclampsia), family history (mother, grandmother or sister) may represent an increased risk. for such complications” (2).

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Can high blood pressure during pregnancy harm the baby?

“High blood pressure in pregnancy can promote: intrauterine fetal growth restriction (especially in cases of preeclampsia below 34 weeks), decreased amniotic fluid (oligoamnion), placental abruption and fetal distress due to hypoxia (due to decreased blood pressure). utero-placental blood flow)”, he points out.

Is there any home treatment for high blood pressure in pregnancy?

“Unfortunately not. Once detected, in general, it is necessary to use medication to control the pressure and, in more severe cases, hospitalization is necessary for better care of the pregnant woman and the fetus”, guides the obstetrician.

What should pregnant women avoid eating?

“For patients who were not hypertensive before pregnancy, there is no benefit to the low-salt diet. In chronic hypertensive patients (who were already hypertensive before pregnancy), control of salt intake is beneficial. However, in both situations, if the patient has a poor calcium intake or is at high risk for preeclampsia, the prenatal physician should supervise calcium supplementation.”

Are there foods or fruits that help lower blood pressure?

Ana Flávia says that “unfortunately, no food helps directly in reducing blood pressure levels.”

When should the pregnant woman go to the hospital?

“When you have warning signs for the complications of gestational hypertension (pre-eclampsia or imminence of eclampsia), such as: systolic pressure > or equal to 160 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure > or equal to 110 mmHg (situation called hypertensive emergency), pain from headache that does not respond to the use of symptomatic, blurred vision or sensation of ‘flashing lights’, pain in the hypogastric region on the right (region below the ribs – hepatic region), diffuse swelling involving even the face (especially around the eyes) , and nausea and vomiting”, he warns.

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Remember, prenatal care is extremely important to prevent and/or detect potential health problems for the mother and also for the healthy development of the baby. So take care and take the opportunity to learn more about anemia in pregnancy and how to treat it.


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