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Know How Hypertension Affects Pregnancy And Prepare For A Safe Delivery


Hypertension or high blood pressure is risky which eventually leads to cardiovascular problems. When the pressure in the arteries exceeds the normal range, it is known as hypertension. Especially, when the blood pressure increases during pregnancy is a medical complication that causes health issues to both the expectant mother and the baby. There are different types of hypertensions, and one of them is gestational hypertension, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, which occurs solely during pregnancy as a result of the placenta’s modifications. “It begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes on after the birth of the child. It can be severe in some instances and can also raise the chances of low birth weight or preterm birth,” warns Dr Sushruta Mokadam, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune who says chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that exists even before the 20th week of pregnancy or before conception. There are many women who come to know about it only when they get their blood pressure monitored during the first prenatal visit. “Chronic hypertension can increase chances of preeclampsia which is a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy that goes on through the last trimester till delivery,” says the expert who shares how hypertension during pregnancy affects the health and what one needs to do in order to keep themselves in good health.


Complications During Pregnancy
Serious issues like seizures/ convulsions in the mother, stroke, liver failure, blood clotting problems, placental abruption or premature separation causing distress to the baby and bleeding in the mother, premature delivery of the baby, and increased chances of cesarean delivery are some of the worrisome consequences. Thus, you have to monitor the blood pressure levels at every antenatal visit and do investigations from time to time.
How It Can be Treated
The expert will monitor your readings and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Do not have any over-the-counter medication without the knowledge of your healthcare provider. This can prove risky for you and the baby.


How To Have A Safe Pregnancy
Take the blood pressure medication as prescribed by the doctor without skipping it. Go for frequent prenatal visits. Do not find any excuses to avoid them. Do regular ultrasound scans and Doppler examinations to ensure the well-being of the baby.
Trust your healthcare provider and be in constant touch with them regarding any discomfort that you develop.
Exercise under the guidance of the expert and only after consulting the doctor. Do not perform any heavy activities that can further be problematic for you.
Mentally be prepared for delivery at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy before the due date as the risks of complications multiply after that.
Eat a low-sodium diet to keep the blood pressure under control. This means you must give up on spicy, oily, junk, processed, and canned foods. Bid adieu to junk foods and colas and stick to a healthy high protein diet.