Every year on May 17, World Hypertension Day reminds us of the silent yet serious threat posed by high blood pressure. While hypertension is often associated with aging or lifestyle factors, it’s crucial to recognize its growing impact on pregnant women.
In India, obstetricians are increasingly encountering pregnant women presenting with undiagnosed or poorly controlled high blood pressure, often in the second or third trimester. Many of these women are young, otherwise healthy individuals who had no prior history of hypertension.
- Classification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- CLASSFICTION
- Gestational hypertension (pregnancy induced hypertension)
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia
- Chronic hypertension
- Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension
What Are the Risk Factors?
- First pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
- Age above 35
- Obesity
- Pre-existing hypertension or kidney disease
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Nulliparity
- Multiple pregnancy
- Chronic hypertension
- Diabetes
- Hypercoagulability (inherited thrombophilia)
- Renal disease even without significant impairment
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (acquired thrombophilia)
- Previous preeclampsia
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Many cases remain asymptomatic, making regular antenatal checkups essential. However, common warning signs include:
- Persistent severe headache
- Visual disturbances (such as blurred vision, diplopia, or floating spots)
- Vomiting
- Hyperreflexia, brisk tendon reflexes
- Epigastric pain or tenderness
- Severe swelling of hands, face, or feet of sudden onset
Why Is Hypertension in Pregnancy a Concern?
Hypertension during pregnancy is not just about elevated numbers — it’s a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It affects nearly 10% of all pregnancies worldwide. Left untreated or poorly managed, hypertensive disorders can lead to severe complications such as:
MOTHER
- Placental abruption
- PULMONARY EDEMA
- RESPIATORY FAILURE
- CELEBRAL HEMORRHAGE
- HEPATIC FAILURE
- ACUTE REANL FAILURE
- DIC
- HEART FAILURE
- SEIZURE
- ARTERIAL DISFUCTION
BABY
- Preterm birth
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- STILL BIRTH
- NEONATAL DEATH
Prevention & Management
- Early detection through routine BP checks during antenatal visits
- Prepregnancy Counseling
- Fetal Surveillance –Doppler Assessment of Uterine Arteries
- General Maternal Care
- Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, reduced salt intake, and moderate exercise
- Medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider
The Takeaway
Hypertension during pregnancy is preventable, detectable, and treatable. This World Hypertension Day, let’s empower expectant mothers with knowledge, encourage regular prenatal care, and advocate for early screening and intervention. After all, a healthy mother leads to a healthy baby — and it begins with knowing your numbers.