HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY
DEFINITION: Pre-eclampsia (toxemia) is the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy. If severe or untreated, it may progress to eclampsia which is high blood pressure causing seizures during pregnancy.
CAUSE: The cause is unknown but it only occurs during pregnancy. Certain women are at greater risk for developing it:
1. Teenagers and women over 30 that are pregnant for the first time,
2. Overweight women,
3. Women that had high blood pressure before pregnancy,
4. Women who don't eat enough protein (i.e. meat, eggs, etc.).
EFFECTS: An increase in blood pressure may decrease the amount of blood flowing through the placenta because of vessel construction. This means less oxygen and fewer nutrients are given to the baby which may result in slowed growth or a low birth weight baby. A decrease in oxygen may came fetal distress, mental or physical impairment, premature delivery, or very rarely a stillbirth. Very high blood pressure may damage many of the mother's organs including her heart, longs, eyes, kidneys, brain and liver. Sometimes, seizures can occur. These complications are rare if the prescribed treatment is followed and the patient is monitored by her doctor.
TREATMENT: Initial treatment for mild pre?eclampsia is bed rest which helps to lower blood pressure. Intravenous (IV) sedatives may be needed. If the blood pressure does not decrease on bed rest, then hospitalization and magnesium sulfate IV may be given while the patient is monitored in the intensive care unit or in labor and delivery. Delivery is often necessary, regardless of gestational age.
WHAT CAN YOU DO:
1. Keep all of your appointments and follow your doctor's advice
2. Eat extra protein (meat eggs, brans, cheeses) and drink plenty of fluids each day
3. Watch for these danger signs and report them immediately to your doctor
a. Sudden weight gain (greater than 2 pounds per week)
b. Swelling of the hands, feet or face
c. Headaches, blurred vision, irritability or seeing spots
d. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
e. Vaginal bleeding, spotting or a gush of fluid
f. Decreased fetal movement
