Gestational hypertension is development of high BP recorded first time in pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestational period in a previously normotensive patient.
Usually this high BP recording settle within 48 hours to 6 week post delivery. It is potentially dangerous in pregnancy and can cause detrimental effects to both the mother and the fetus..
Pre-eclampsia is typically characterized by swelling of legs, protein in urine.. But again it makes it a little difficult for us to differentiate from a normal pregnancy where patients do have swelling of legs and hands due to retention of water..
So a high BP recording and a Urine protein test are always confirmatory. Though the BP settles within 48hrs post delivery for a few, there can be few instances where a patient with normal BP throughout pregnancy can suddenly have high BP values.. So a pregnancy even after delivery should be monitored properly..
1) BP more than 140/90mmHg
2) Swelling of legs that does not reduce even after rest
3) Weight gain by 0.5 to 1 kg in 2-3 days because of fluid accumulation
4) Severe headaches
5) Less frequency of urination
6) Vomiting and pain in mid chest
7) Changes in vision like floaters or blurred vision.
Few patients do not have any symptoms of pre-eclampsia.. So it is important that high BP recorded once anytime during pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation should come for regular check up mainly for BP recording and Urine test..
1) Teenage pregnancy
2) Elderly pregnancy (above 35yrs of age)
3) Interpregnancy gap is either very less (2years) or more (10years)
4) History of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy
5) Carrying more than 1 fetus (twins or more)
6) Family history of pre-eclampsia or hypertension
8) IVF pregnancies
9) History of diabetes in pregnancy
Preventive methods are though less it can be kept under control with a proper balanced salt restricted diet, physical exercise, regular BP check ups..
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Calcium supplementation during pregnancy in places of low dietary calcium intake. Using magnesium sulfate for eclampsia prevention, early detection and management, prescribing low-dose aspirin during pregnancy for women at high risk and boosting healthcare for effective and timely care during pregnancy are some guidelines recommended by WHO on pre-eclampsia.
"The treatment depends on the gestational age and severity of the condition. Primary treatment is administering magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. Antihypertensive medicines for blood pressure control, monitoring fetal and maternal health, and corticosteroids to hasten fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is anticipated. "
Managing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy varies depending on the severity of the condition and gestational age. It involves close home or hospital monitoring, medications to control BP and prevent seizures, and corticosteroids to promote lung development. Monitor symptoms and attend all prenatal appointments to ensure the health of you and your baby.
The first line of treatment for pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby or manage it until it is the best time to deliver. If severe pre-eclampsia occurs, your doctor will recommend delivery before 37 weeks, and if not, delivery after 37 weeks. The delivery can be via cesarean section or vaginal birth, depending on the gestational age and severity.
