Gestational Hypertension
What is gestational hypertension?
Gestational hypertension is diagnosed by your doctor if you develop high blood pressure of more than 140/ 90mm Hg after 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, you do not have protein in your urine.
What are the risk factors associated with developing hypertension in pregnancy?
- Having your first baby before the age of 20 or after 35
- History of diabetes, kidney or autoimmune disorder i.e lupus
- History of chronic hypertension
- Carrying twins or more
- Family history of hypertension
- This your first pregnancy with a new partner
- You are overweight or obese
What is risk of developing preeclampsia in patients already diagnosed with gestational hypertension?
Approximately 1 in 4 patients with gestational hypertension will go on to develop preeclampsia (hypertension associated with protein in your urine). This risk is increased to about 1 in 2 patients in patient who was diagnosed before 30 weeks with gestational hypertension.
What are the complications associated with gestational hypertension?
This depends on how high your blood pressure is and when you first develop it. The earlier it is diagnosed and the higher the blood pressure, the more associated complications there will be. The good news is that most women with gestational hypertension has only mild elevation of their blood pressure and tends to develop it in the later part of their pregnancy with minimal effects to their baby. Some of the potential complications that could occur include growth restriction of the baby, preterm delivery, placenta abruption and still birth. Therefore, your doctor will still monitor you and your baby closely.
How will I be managed during pregnancy if I have gestational hypertension?
Your blood pressure and the growth of your baby will be monitored closely during each antenatal visit. Some blood and urine investigation may be carried out to make sure you are not developing preeclampsia which is a more serious form of hypertension. Medication will be started if your blood pressure is not well controlled. If your blood pressure is mildly elevated, does not require any medication and the baby is growing well your doctor will probably allow you to go to at least your expected date of delivery (EDD). However, if you require medications to control your blood pressure you made be induced earlier by 38 weeks.
Will my blood pressure return to normal after delivery?
Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure closely after delivery. Majority of women with gestational hypertension do not require any medications and their blood pressure will return to normal.
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