WHAT IS CHRONIC HYPERTENSION?, Simi Gupta, MD (Digital)
A fast-growing cause for concern among women and their babies for adverse and sometimes fatal complications of pregnancy is chronic hypertension. Although it currently only occurs in about 1% of pregnant persons, the rate of maternal chronic hypertension has increased rapidly, especially among African American women in the past few decades. Fortunately, when under the care of Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, the risk of negative side effects that can be expected from a diagnosis of hypertension can be minimized with treatment.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure and chronic hypertension refers to patients who had high blood pressure before they became pregnant or developed it early in pregnancy. This is different from a special kind of high blood pressure that some women get during pregnancy called pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia usually develops in the second half of pregnancy or in the post-partum period and goes away in the first few months after delivery.
Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy
Women who have chronic hypertension and become pregnant need to be closely monitored. Chronic hypertension puts women at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia or other blood pressure conditions during pregnancy. Chronic hypertension is also associated with increased risks of pregnancy complications like stillbirth, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
Treatment Before Pregnancy
Ideally, people who are thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future should schedule a pre-conception counseling appointment (or appointments) to check their health, medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits that can influence the outcome and experience of pregnancy. People who have hypertension should also have a pre-conception consultation with their OB/GYN and/or Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist as well as their primary care physician or cardiologist to discuss solutions to reduce your risk of adverse outcomes.
Treatment During Pregnancy
An OB/GYN or Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist can help decide if you need treatment for your high blood pressure during pregnancy and/or to see if the medication you are taking is safe to take during pregnancy. Women’s blood pressure naturally varies during pregnancy, so we recommend that you check your blood pressure at home in addition to at your doctor’s office to see if you need to change the dose of your medication during the pregnancy. Many patients are started on a baby aspirin to help decrease the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. We also recommend additional monitoring of your baby through ultrasounds to evaluate the growth and the well-being of the baby.
Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia
Whether you have chronic hypertension or not, it’s important to know and watch out for the symptoms of pre-eclampsia both during and before pregnancy to be aware of the signs of this potentially complicating condition. Symptoms include:
- Chronic headache
- Changes in vision
- Abnormal swelling in your hands or face
Pre-eclampsia can also manifest without any symptoms, which is why scheduling and keeping appointments with your pregnancy care team is vital to understanding and preventing complications that can arise during this time. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor and visit your health care team to discover the cause and treatment options for your symptoms to ensure your health and the health of your child.
Treatment After Pregnancy
Some women develop pre-eclampsia after they deliver so if you have any feelings of pre-eclampsia or elevated blood pressures after childbirth, please call your doctor right away because you may need medical care. Some women also need to adjust their blood pressure medication after delivery so may need to continue to closely follow with their OB/GYN, MFM specialist, primary care physician, or cardiologist.
Pregnancy Care in New York City
If you’re considering becoming pregnant but are worried about your health history, lifestyle, or risk factors, our team of maternal fetal medicine specialists are here to help. We’ll guide you through the fraught and complicated yet remarkable period of your life that is pregnancy and childbirth to make sure you feel safe, supported, and healthy throughout the process. We have access to many tools, procedures, and technologies to make sure mothers in New York receive the state-of-the-art care they deserve. Schedule your first appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates by calling our offices or contacting us online today.
Learn More on Healthful Woman
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!